objective

²ob·jec·tive

noun \əb-ˈjek-tiv, äb-\

Definition of OBJECTIVE

1

: a lens or system of lenses that forms an image of an object

2

a : something toward which effort is directed : an aim, goal, or end of action b : a strategic position to be attained or a purpose to be achieved by a military operation

Examples of OBJECTIVE

1. The main objective of the class is to teach basic typing skills.
2. She's expanding the business with the objective of improving efficiency.
3. We've set specific objectives for each day.
4. The first objective of the low-intensity war was to “bleed” India so that it would cut its losses and quit. —Pervez Hoodbhoy, Prospect, June 2003
5. The Orange Plan assumed an early Japanese capture of the Philippines, and made relief of the Philippines the main U.S. objective. —David M. Kennedy, Atlantic, March 1999
6. The President had largely stuck to his publicly stated goals—though the objective of smashing Iraq's military machine hadn't been so clear. —Elizabeth Drew, New Yorker, 6 May 1991
7. … their primary objective is not the enrollment of new voters but changing the party affiliation of old voters … —Lawrence King, Commonweal, 9 Oct. 1970

First Known Use of OBJECTIVE

1835

Related to OBJECTIVE

Synonyms: aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne (also bourn), design, dream, end, idea, ideal, intent, intention, mark, meaning, object, goal, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target, thing

Related Words: grail, holy grail; plot, project, scheme; desire, hope, mind, wish; nirvana; destination, terminus

Near Antonyms: means, method, way

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See Synonym Discussion at intention