English Reference
adverb

objectively

adv.
US /ɑbˈdʒɛktɪvɫi/ UK /ɒbdʒˈɛktɪvli/ ob·jec·tive·ly

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    in a way that is based on facts and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.

    in an impartial or neutral manner, relying on observable facts rather than subjective interpretation.

    Simple

    The judge tried to look at the evidence objectively before making a decision.

    In context

    The historian attempted to evaluate the primary sources objectively, setting aside his own political biases to provide a balanced account of the conflict.

    Usage

    Typically modifies verbs of perception, evaluation, or analysis.

    impartiallyneutrallydispassionately
    subjectively
  2. 02 C1 Advanced InformalSlang

    you use this to say that something is clearly true and everyone should agree with you.

    used to present a subjective judgment as an absolute or indisputable truth.

    Simple

    That was objectively the best movie of the year.

    In context

    While taste is usually personal, that performance was objectively the highlight of the entire festival.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern slang, speakers use this to emphasize a strong opinion; it is technically a contradiction of the word's formal meaning.

The central myth of AI is that it functions objectively .

The Conversation· 3 Sept 2026

This method divides the temperature record into separate periods and objectively identifies when the rate of warming appears to change.

ScienceDaily· 1 Aug 2026

From objective + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated