What does object mean?
“Object” is a highly versatile English word. As a noun, it can refer to a physical item, such as a tool or artwork, and also to a person or thing involved in a particular situation. In grammar, an object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of a transitive verb or follows a preposition. More formally, it can mean an aim or purpose, as in “the object of the exercise.” As a verb, “object” means to express opposition or disapproval, usually in the construction “object to.” The word occurs in both everyday and specialized contexts, including legal proceedings, linguistics, and philosophy. Its range makes it useful for distinguishing between a particular thing, a grammatical relationship, and a broader goal, while its historical connection with opposition helps explain why the same word can name a thing and also describe resistance to an idea or action.
A tangible or perceptible thing, especially one considered apart from its qualities or significance. In grammar, it is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a transitive verb or follows a preposition.
"The museum’s newest object is a rare astronomical instrument."
The word can also mean an aim or purpose in formal contexts, and it can refer to a person in dated or specialized usage.
To express opposition or disapproval, especially to a proposed action, statement, or arrangement.
"Local residents objected to the closure of the community center."
The usual pattern is “object to something.” In legal proceedings, the verb can mean to make a formal objection.
The regular plural is objects. A phrase such as “the object of the sentence” is normally singular when referring to one grammatical element.
"The collection contains several objects from the medieval period."
The word’s core idea is literally “thrown against”: Latin obicere combines ob- (“against”) with jacere (“to throw”), giving us both the familiar noun and the idea of opposition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does object come from?
The word comes through Middle English from French, ultimately from Latin objectum, the neuter participle of obicere, “to throw before” or “to throw against.” The Latin verb was formed from ob- (“against”) and jacere (“to throw”). Its historical associations with placing something before someone or opposing it contributed to the modern senses of a thing presented for consideration and of expressing opposition.
Related word forms
How object is actually used
The noun is broad and neutral, but in some older or formal contexts it can refer to a person. The verb usually takes “to”: “object to something.” In legal contexts, “object” is also used for a formal challenge made during a proceeding. The expression “no object” is informal and means that something is not a difficulty.
Easily confused with object
In grammar, the subject names who or what performs the action or serves as the topic, while the object receives the action or completes a prepositional relationship.
An object is a thing or entity, whereas an objective is a goal, aim, or standard of achievement.