WordGarden.ioobject
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /əbˈd͡ʒɛkt/verb
US
- /ˈɑbdʒɛkt/
Meanings
Noun
a material thing that can be seen or touched
a goal, target, or focus of an action, feeling, or effort
a noun phrase affected by a verb or governed by a preposition
More meaningsFewer meanings
a programming entity that combines data with associated behavior
something considered as existing or being perceived, contrasted with a subject
Verb
to express disagreement, disapproval, or opposition
Beyond the definition
An object can be a physical thing, like a chair, a book, or a phone. But the word also has another common use. To object to something is to say that you disagree with it or do not approve of it. So, you might admire a beautiful antique as an object but still object to its high price. In simple terms, the word can point to a thing or to an act of speaking against something.
The word comes from the Latin obiectum, meaning "something thrown against." Long ago, it referred to something set before a person or put in the way, which helps explain why objecting means standing against an idea. You might object to a plan being pushed on you without warning. Meanwhile, a detective might examine a physical object found at a crime scene for clues.
The word "object" is surprisingly versatile. Most commonly, it refers to a physical thing—a tangible item that can be seen and touched. This could be anything from a simple pen or a complex machine to a natural formation like a rock or a tree. For example: "The museum displayed many fascinating objects from ancient civilizations."
However, "object" also functions as a verb with a distinct meaning: to express disapproval or opposition. When you object to an idea, plan, or action, you are voicing your disagreement. Saying "She objected to the proposed changes in policy" means she didn't agree with those changes and spoke out against them. It is helpful to note that the pronunciation shifts: we emphasize the first syllable for the noun (OB-ject) and the second syllable for the verb (ob-JECT).
The connection between these two meanings is rooted in history. Originally, the verb form meant "to throw oneself against" something—essentially, to stand in opposition. Over time, this evolved into the more abstract meaning of expressing disagreement.
There are two other specialized uses to keep in mind. In grammar, an object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb (e.g., "He kicked the ball"). Additionally, "object" can refer to a goal or purpose, such as "the object of the game." Whether you are referring to a physical item, voicing disapproval, or identifying a purpose, "object" represents something that stands before you—either as a tangible entity, a grammatical target, or an idea to be challenged.
Examples
- 1
Floating thing
A strange object was floating in the water.
- 2
Child safety
Keep sharp objects away from young children.
- 3
Game goal
The object of the game is to collect as many points as possible.
- Patternthe object of + activity
its purpose or goal
- 4
Gossip target
For months, the old house was the object of local gossip.
- Patternthe object of + feeling, desire, or talk
the person or thing it is directed toward
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Grammar term
In the sentence “She broke the glass,” “the glass” is the object.
- Grammarobject
the person or thing affected by an action in a sentence
- 6
Disagreeing
I do not object to paying more if the service improves.
- Patternobject to + noun/-ing
say or feel that you are against it
- 7
Public rules
Several neighbors objected to the new parking rules.
- 8
Stated objection
He objected that the plan was too expensive.
- Patternobject that...
say that something is wrong or a problem
- 9
No price limit
“Money is no object,” she said, “as long as the repairs are done properly.”
- Phrasemoney is no object
cost does not matter
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- objectnounverb
Forms
- objectspluralnounverb
- objectedpast tenseverbnoun
- objecting-ing formverbnoun