Object vs object

Photo of author

Grammarist

The words object and object are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. Heteronyms exist because of our ever-changing English language, and these words with the same spelling and different pronunciation and meaning are a challenge for those who wish to learn to speak English. It can be difficult to learn how to spell different words that look the same and how to use them in sentences, because they are easily confused. The way the pronunciations and definitions differ can be confusing even to native English speakers when attempting to learn vocabulary correctly. Phonological spelling and spelling rules do not always work, and most people avoid misspelling and misuse by studying vocabulary words from spelling lists, enhancing their literacy skills through spelling practice, and learning words in English by studying a dictionary of the English language. English words are also spelled according to their etymologies rather than their sound. For instance, the word tear meaning a liquid drop that falls from an eye is derived from the Old English word tear, meaning a drop or nectar; tear meaning to pull apart comes from the Old English word tearan, which means to lacerate. Heteronyms are confusing words and are commonly misspelled words because of the confusion that arises from words that are pronounced differently but are spelled the same and come from a different etymology. They are often used in puns and riddles. When reading, it is sometimes difficult to know which word is being used in a sentence and how to pronounce the word phonetically. A spell checker will rarely find this type of mistake in English vocabulary, so do not rely on spell check for these commonly confused words but instead, learn to spell. Even a participant in a spelling bee like the National Spelling Bee will ask for an example of a heteronym in a sentence, so that she understands which word she is to spell by using context clues. Do not confuse heteronyms with homophones, which are two or more words that are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and have different meanings like sow and sew; do not confuse them with homonyms, which are words that have the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings like spring as in spring forth and spring as in the season of the year. We will examine the definitions of the words object and object, where these words came from, and some examples of their use in sentences.

Object (AHB-jekt) is a noun that means a material thing, something that exists but is not alive. Object may also mean the purpose of something or the goal. Object may also mean the thing that is the focus of an idea or event. In grammar, an object is the part of a sentence—usually a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun—that is affected by a verb’s action. Objects may be direct objects or indirect objects. The word object is derived from the Latin word objicere, which means to present or put forth.

Object (ahb JEKT) is a verb that means to oppose, to be against, to put forth reasons that something is unacceptable. Words related to the verb object are objects, objected, objecting, objection. The verb object is derived from the Latin word obiectare, which means to oppose or to put forth arguments in opposition.

Examples

ASTEROID experts who used remote sensing image data to study the surface of a Near-Earth Object (NEO) have made a surprising discovery – the eastern and western hemispheres of the potentially-hazardous Ryugu may have been formed at different times. (The Daily Express)

Manchester United midfielder Fred was struck on the head by an object thrown by a fan standing among Manchester City supporters during the Manchester derby. (The Independent)

Delhi fire: After victims families object, bodies of Bihar residents to be taken home by road (India Today)

He said he doesn’t object to New York legalizing mobile sports betting — as long as it sets aside money to help compulsive gamblers. (The New York Post)