objectively
UK[əbˈdʒɛktɪvli]US[əbˈdʒɛktɪvli]
adv
In a way that is not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; based on facts.
adv
In philosophy, relating to the object of perception or thought, rather than the thinking subject.
Morpheme Breakdown
object
ive
ly
object
thing
ive
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The adverb 'objectively' is built upon the core concept of the 'object'—that which is thrown before or presented to the mind. Its journey begins with the Latin verb obicere, combining ob- (against, before) and iacere (to throw), which evolved to signify something external and independent of the self. By adding the adjective-forming suffix -ive, the word 'objective' came to describe a stance or quality oriented toward external facts rather than internal feelings. Finally, the adverbial suffix -ly transforms this quality into a mode of action, completing the term's logical evolution into its modern meaning: to consider, judge, or report in a manner faithful to the external object or verifiable facts, free from personal bias.
Analysis
Structure: object (thing) + ive (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- object: From Latin obiectus (past participle of obicere, meaning 'to throw or put before'), via Old French. In this word, it carries the sense of a 'thing' or 'goal' perceived externally.
- ive: A suffix of Latin origin (-ivus) used to form adjectives meaning 'of, relating to, or tending to'.
- ly: A suffix of Old English origin (-līc) used to form adverbs from adjectives, meaning 'in a specified manner'.
Examples
The data must be analyzed objectively to ensure a valid conclusion.
It is difficult to view one's own work objectively.
The journalist strove to report the events as objectively as possible.