Objectivity: meaning, definitions and examples

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objectivity

 

[ ˌɒbdʒɛkˈtɪvɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in journalism

The quality of being objective; the ability to consider all sides of an issue fairly and without bias.

Synonyms

fairness, impartiality, neutrality.

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Word Description / Examples
objectivity

Used when someone assesses a situation or information based purely on facts, without personal feelings or biases influencing the judgement.

  • The scientist's report was praised for its objectivity
  • The documentary aims for objectivity, presenting all sides of the issue equally
impartiality

Applicable when describing a person or entity that is free from favoritism or bias, often used in legal or official contexts.

  • The judge is known for his impartiality
  • Impartiality is essential for a fair trial
neutrality

Often used in political, diplomatic, or conflict settings to describe a stance of not supporting any side. Can also apply to non-conflict scenarios to indicate no expressed preference.

  • The country maintained its neutrality during the war
  • As a mediator, he must ensure his neutrality
fairness

Commonly used when discussing justice, equality, or treating people in a just and unbiased manner. It carries a connotation of moral rightness.

  • The referee's fairness was applauded by both teams
  • Everyone deserves to be treated with fairness in the workplace

Examples of usage

  • Journalists strive for objectivity in their reporting.
  • She was praised for her objectivity in covering the political debate.
Context #2 | Noun

in science

The state or quality of being free from personal feelings or opinions; the ability to view things as they are without interference from emotions or prejudices.

Synonyms

detachment, impartiality, unbiasedness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
objectivity

Use 'objectivity' when discussing the ability to consider facts without influence from personal feelings or prejudices, often in general or formal contexts.

  • To make an informed decision, we must evaluate the data with objectivity.
  • Journalists are trained to maintain objectivity while reporting news.
unbiasedness

Use 'unbiasedness' to emphasize the absence of bias or preconceived notions, often in contexts requiring fair evaluation or analysis, such as research or reporting.

  • The researcher's unbiasedness was reflected in the accuracy of the study results.
  • Ensuring unbiasedness in the hiring process is essential for a fair workplace.
detachment

Use 'detachment' when highlighting an emotional distance from the subject, often implying a personal decision to remain uninvolved or separate.

  • His detachment from the situation allowed him to think clearly.
  • She observed the argument with a sense of detachment.
impartiality

Use 'impartiality' when there is a need to stress fairness and an equal treatment of all parties involved, typically in contexts of judgment or mediation.

  • The judge's impartiality was crucial to the fairness of the trial.
  • Effective leadership requires impartiality in decision-making.

Examples of usage

  • Scientific research requires a high level of objectivity.
  • The scientist's objectivity led to a breakthrough in the field.
Context #3 | Noun

general usage

The quality of being based on facts, logic, and evidence rather than emotions or personal opinions.

Synonyms

factuality, logic, rationality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
objectivity

In situations where there is a need to remain unbiased and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.

  • Journalists must maintain objectivity when reporting news.
  • The scientist's objectivity was crucial for the integrity of the research.
factuality

When discussing or emphasizing the accuracy and truthfulness of information based on facts.

  • The factuality of the report was questioned due to the lack of evidence.
  • Ensuring factuality in academic papers is essential for credibility.
rationality

In discussions about decision-making or behavior that is based on reason and logical thinking rather than emotions.

  • He approached the problem with rationality, considering all possible outcomes.
  • Investors typically favor rationality over emotional reactions in the stock market.
logic

When referring to a clear, reasoned, and structured way of thinking or arguing a point.

  • Her argument was compelling due to its sound logic.
  • Learning the principles of logic helps improve problem-solving skills.

Examples of usage

  • Her decision-making process is driven by objectivity and rationality.
  • We need to approach this issue with objectivity and reason.

Translations

Translations of the word "objectivity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 objetividade

🇮🇳 वस्तुनिष्ठता

🇩🇪 Objektivität

🇮🇩 objektivitas

🇺🇦 об'єктивність

🇵🇱 obiektywność

🇯🇵 客観性 (きゃっかんせい)

🇫🇷 objectivité

🇪🇸 objetividad

🇹🇷 nesnellik

🇰🇷 객관성 (객관적인)

🇸🇦 موضوعية

🇨🇿 objektivita

🇸🇰 objektivita

🇨🇳 客观性 (kèguān xìng)

🇸🇮 objektivnost

🇮🇸 hlutlægni

🇰🇿 объективтілік

🇬🇪 ობიექტურობა

🇦🇿 obyektivlik

🇲🇽 objetividad

Etymology

The word 'objectivity' originated in the mid-19th century from the French word 'objectivité'. It gained prominence in the fields of journalism and science, emphasizing the importance of unbiased and fair analysis. The concept of objectivity has since become a cornerstone in various disciplines, promoting rationality and evidence-based reasoning.

See also: object, objectification, objectify, objection, objectionable, objective, objectively, objector, unobjectionable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,179, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.