English - Etymology

From Latin obiectum (“object”, literally “thrown against”), from obiectus, perfect passive participle of obiciō (“I throw against”), from ob- (“against”) +‎ iaciō (“I throw”).

English - Pronunciation

Noun

• (UK) enPR: ŏb'jĕkt, IPA^(key): /ˈɒb.dʒɛkt/
• (US) enPR: ŏb'jĕkt, IPA^(key): /ˈɑb.dʒɛkt/

Verb

• (UK, US) enPR: əb-jĕkt', IPA^(key): /əbˈdʒɛkt/
• Rhymes: -ɛkt

English - Noun

object (plural objects)

1. A thing that has physical existence.
2. The goal, end or purpose of something.
   • 2000, Phyllis Barkas Goldman & John Grigni, Monkeyshines on Ancient Cultures

     The object of tlachtli was to keep the rubber ball from touching the ground while trying to push it to the opponent's endline.

3. (grammar) The noun phrase which is an internal complement of a verb phrase or a prepositional phrase. In a verb phrase with a transitive action verb, it is typically the receiver of the action.
4. A person or thing toward which an emotion is directed.

   Mary Jane had been the object of Peter's affection for years.

   The convertible, once object of his desire, was now the object of his hatred.

5. (computing) In object-oriented programming, an instantiation of a class or structure.
6. (obsolete) Sight; show; appearance; aspect.
   • Chapman

     He, advancing close / Up to the lake, past all the rest, arose / In glorious object.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Shakespeare to this entry?)

Synonyms

• (thing): article, item, thing
• (person or thing toward which an emotion is directed): target
• See also Wikisaurus:goal

Hyponyms

Derived terms

Related terms

Related terms

• object graph
• objet d’art

Translations

See also

• subject

English - Verb

object (third-person singular simple present objects, present participle objecting, simple past and past participle objected)

1. (intransitive) To disagree with something or someone; especially in a Court of Law, to raise an objection.

   I object to the proposal to build a new airport terminal.

2. (transitive, obsolete) To offer in opposition as a criminal charge or by way of accusation or reproach; to adduce as an objection or adverse reason.
   • Spenser

     He gave to him to object his heinous crime.

   • Addison

     Others object the poverty of the nation.

   • Whitgift

     The book […] giveth liberty to object any crime against such as are to be ordered.

3. (transitive, obsolete) To set before or against; to bring into opposition; to oppose.
   • Fairfax

     Of less account some knight thereto object, / Whose loss so great and harmful can not prove.

   • Hooker

     some strong impediment or other objecting itself

   • Alexander Pope

     Pallas to their eyes / The mist objected, and condensed the skies.

Derived terms

• objection

Translations

Dutch - Noun

object

Rime