objection
B2Formal to neutral. Common in legal, parliamentary, procedural, and debate contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A formal expression of disapproval or opposition to something.
The act of challenging or protesting against a statement, procedure, or action, often in legal, formal, or parliamentary contexts. Can also refer to a feeling of disapproval or a reason for disagreeing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a reasoned or declared opposition, not mere dislike. Often involves stating grounds for the opposition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Raise an objection' is slightly more common in UK formal writing; 'voice an objection' is equally common in both. The legal phrase 'sustained/overruled' following an objection is identical.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of formal procedure, debate, and legal argument in both variants.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to greater visibility of legal proceedings in media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
objection to + noun/gerund (objection to the plan)objection against + noun (objection against the proposal)objection that + clause (objection that it was unfair)have/take/raise + objectionmeet with/face/encounter + objectionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “If there is no objection... (formal procedural phrase)”
- “take objection to something”
- “Objection sustained/overruled! (legal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in meetings regarding proposals, budgets, or procedural points. 'The CFO raised an objection to the projected costs.'
Academic
Used in debates, peer review, and critical analysis. 'The main philosophical objection to utilitarianism is its neglect of individual rights.'
Everyday
Used to express strong personal disagreement, often in a semi-formal context. 'I have a real objection to people being late all the time.'
Technical
Core term in law (courtroom procedure), parliamentary procedure (Robert's Rules), and formal meetings.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The MP objected strenuously to the wording of the clause.
- If no one objects, we will proceed.
American English
- Counsel for the defense objected to the line of questioning.
- Do you object to me smoking?
adverb
British English
- 'This is irrelevant,' he said objectionably, interrupting the witness.
- She wasn't objectionably late, just a few minutes.
American English
- He didn't state his case objectionably, just firmly.
- The price was not objectionably high.
adjective
British English
- The objectionable material was removed from the broadcast.
- He found her comments highly objectionable.
American English
- The judge ruled the evidence was not objectionable.
- I find nothing objectionable in the proposal.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have no objection to going to the park.
- Her objection was that it was too expensive.
- The council raised an objection to the new building plans.
- What is your main objection to the idea?
- Despite initial objections, the committee finally approved the budget.
- The defence lawyer's objection was sustained by the judge.
- The ethical objection to the procedure hinges on the issue of informed consent.
- He lodged a formal objection with the regulatory body, citing several procedural irregularities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a lawyer jumping up and shouting 'Objection!' in court. The word contains 'object' – you are objecting to something.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSITION IS A RAISED BARRIER / A FORMAL PETITION. We 'raise' or 'lodge' an objection as if it were a physical barrier or a document.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'object' (предмет). 'Objection' is always 'возражение' or 'протест'. Do not use 'объекция'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'objection about' (incorrect). Correct: 'objection to'.
- Using in overly informal contexts where 'dislike' or 'I don't agree' would be more natural.
- Misspelling as 'objecshion' or 'objecttion'.
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition correctly follows 'objection' when stating the target of the disagreement?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its most dramatic use is in courtrooms, it is common in any formal or semi-formal setting where rules or proposals are discussed (meetings, debates, parliament).
An 'objection' is a reasoned opposition, often formal, to an idea, action, or procedure. A 'complaint' is an expression of grievance or dissatisfaction, often about a service, treatment, or situation, and can be formal or informal.
No, 'objection' is only a noun. The verb form is 'to object'. The adjective is 'objectionable'.
'Sustained' means the judge agrees with the objection and the questioned evidence/testimony must be disregarded. 'Overruled' means the judge disagrees and the evidence/testimony can continue.
Collections
Part of a collection
Debate Vocabulary
B2 · 48 words · Language for constructing arguments and discussions.
Critical Thinking
C1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for structured logical reasoning and analysis.