purpose: The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for medical supplies.
aim: The aim of the festival is to increase awareness of Hindu culture and traditions.
goaclass="underline" The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
target: He's won back his place too late to achieve his target of 20 goals this season. ADJ 3
unbiased: The researchers were expected to be unbiased.
neutraclass="underline" Let's meet on neutral territory.
impartiaclass="underline" Careers officers offer impartial advice to all pupils.
o b|ject les|son (object lessons ) N‑COUNT If you describe an action, event, or situation as an object lesson , you think that it demonstrates the correct way to do something, or that it demonstrates the truth of a particular principle. □ [+ on/in ] It was an object lesson in how to use television as a means of persuasion.
ob|ject|or /əbdʒe ktə r / (objectors )
1 N‑COUNT An objector is someone who states or shows that they oppose or disapprove of something. □ The district council agreed with the objectors and turned down the application.
2 → see also conscientious objector
o bject-o riented ADJ [usu ADJ n] In computing, object-oriented programming involves dealing with code and data in blocks so that it is easier to change or do things with. □ …object-oriented software.
ob|jet d'art /ɒ bʒe I dɑː r / (objets d'art ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Objets d'art are small ornaments that are considered to be attractive and of quite good quality. [FORMAL ]
ob|li|gate /ɒ bl I ge I t/ (obligates , obligating , obligated ) VERB If something obligates you to do a particular thing, it creates a situation where you have to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n to-inf] The ruling obligates airlines to release information about their flight delays.
ob|li|gat|ed /ɒ bl I ge I t I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ , oft ADJ to-inf] If you feel obligated to do something, you feel that it is your duty to do it. If you are obligated to someone, you feel that it is your duty to look after them. [FORMAL ] □ I felt obligated to let him read the letter. □ [+ to ] He had got a girl pregnant and felt obligated to her and the child.
ob|li|ga|tion /ɒ bl I ge I ʃ ə n/ (obligations )
1 N‑VAR [usu N to-inf] If you have an obligation to do something, it is your duty to do that thing. □ When teachers assign homework, students usually feel an obligation to do it. □ Ministers are under no obligation to follow the committee's recommendations.
2 N‑VAR If you have an obligation to a person, it is your duty to look after them or protect their interests. □ [+ to ] The United States will do that which is necessary to meet its obligations to its own citizens. □ [+ to ] I have an ethical and a moral obligation to my client.
3 PHRASE In advertisements, if a product or a service is available without obligation , you do not have to pay for that product or service until you have tried it and are satisfied with it. □ If you are selling your property, why not call us for a free valuation without obligation?
ob|liga|tory /əbl I gətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/
1 ADJ If something is obligatory , you must do it because of a rule or a law. □ Most women will be offered an ultrasound scan during pregnancy, although it's not obligatory. □ These rates do not include the charge for obligatory medical consultations.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe something as obligatory , you mean that it is done from habit or custom and not because the person involved has thought carefully about it or really means it. □ She was wearing the obligatory sweater and pearl necklace.
oblige /əbla I dʒ/ (obliges , obliging , obliged )
1 VERB If you are obliged to do something, a situation, rule, or law makes it necessary for you to do that thing. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The storm got worse and worse. Finally, I was obliged to abandon the car and continue on foot. □ [V n to-inf] This decree obliges unions to delay strikes.
2 VERB To oblige someone means to be helpful to them by doing what they have asked you to do. □ [V ] If you ever need help with the babysitting, I'd be glad to oblige. □ [V + with ] The gracious star was more than happy to oblige with an autograph. □ [V n + with ] Mr Oakley always has been ready to oblige journalists with information. [Also V n]
3 CONVENTION People sometimes use obliged in expressions such as ' much obliged ' or ' I am obliged to you ' when they want to indicate that they are very grateful for something. [FORMAL or OLD-FASHIONED , FORMULAE ] □ [+ for ] Much obliged for your assistance. □ [+ to ] Thank you very much indeed, Doctor, I am extremely obliged to you.
4 CONVENTION If you tell someone that you would be obliged or should be obliged if they would do something, you are telling them in a polite but firm way that you want them to do it. [FORMAL , POLITENESS ] □ [+ if ] I would be obliged if you could read it to us.
oblig|ing /əbla I dʒ I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as obliging , you think that they are willing and eager to be helpful. [OLD-FASHIONED or WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □ He is an extremely pleasant and obliging man. ● oblig|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He swung round and strode towards the door. Benedict obligingly held it open.