mere object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere object" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "mere object" to refer to something that is unimportant or has little value. For example: "He treated her like a mere object in his efforts to earn her approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

In contrast, in the "Reification" essay, he argues that there is an intrinsic dialectics within the class consciousness of the proletariat (Arato and Breines 1979: 131 136; for an epistemological reading see Jameson 2009, 65ff)., arising from its objective position as mere object of the social process.

SEP

Objectify: (verb) to treat something as a mere object, to deny its dignity.

The Guardian - Opinion

A woman is thrown down by her lover, or carried naked on his shoulders, a mere object.

The New York Times - Arts

He said that anything larger would have implied the work was a monument and anything smaller would have made it a mere object.

The New York Times - Arts

Too much neatness and fuss makes a sculpture into a mere object – that is the silent advice Michelangelo's work offers to students at the Royal Academy.

The Guardian - Arts

The rational being, he recognizes, must be treated always as an end in himself, as something of intrinsic value, and never as a mere object to be disposed of according to purposes that are not its own.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The children are depicted as mere objects without any context".

The Guardian

The best work still enables readers to experience their subjects as human beings, not as mere objects of curiosity.

The New York Times

What, for instance, are the blue juniper berries in the pasture, considered as mere objects of beauty, to church or state?

The New York Times - Books

What's harder to grab hold of, and rail against, is the absence of images of women as something other than mere objects.

The Guardian

The words 'factory' farms and live 'stock' illustrate to just what extent our view of these animals has been reduced to mere objects.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere object" to emphasize the act of reducing something of value to something insignificant or purely functional. This can create a powerful effect, particularly when discussing ethical or moral issues.

Common error

Avoid using "mere object" in contexts where a neutral or objective description is needed. The phrase carries a negative connotation and implies a devaluation, which may be inappropriate if you are simply describing something without judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere object" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object of a verb or preposition. It serves to describe something that has been reduced in status or value, often implying a lack of respect or consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys this meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mere object" effectively conveys the idea of something being reduced to a state of insignificance or lacking intrinsic value. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a grammatically sound and usable phrase, primarily functioning as a noun phrase and typically found in neutral registers like news and academic contexts. It's crucial to avoid overuse in contexts where a neutral description is required, as the phrase carries a negative connotation. When aiming for similar expressions, consider "simple object" or "insignificant thing" based on context. Remember, the power of "mere object" lies in its ability to highlight the devaluation of something, making it a potent tool for ethical and moral discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Simple object

Emphasizes the lack of complexity or special qualities.

Insignificant thing

Highlights the lack of importance or consequence.

Meaningless entity

Highlights the lack of inherent purpose or significance.

Worthless item

Focuses on the absence of monetary or practical value.

Dehumanized subject

Specifically applies to people, emphasizing the loss of human qualities and individuality.

Trivial entity

Stresses the lack of seriousness or significance.

Devalued asset

Indicates a reduction in perceived worth or importance.

Soulless commodity

Suggests a reduction to something purely transactional, lacking spirit or individuality.

Utilitarian tool

Highlights the use of something for only its functional purpose without appreciation for other qualities.

Disposable asset

Focuses on the temporary value and ease of replacement.

FAQs

How can I use "mere object" in a sentence?

The phrase "mere object" is used to describe something that is treated as unimportant or lacking inherent value. For instance, "He treated her like a "mere object", disregarding her feelings and opinions".

What is the difference between "mere object" and "simple object"?

"Mere object" implies a reduction in value or importance, suggesting something is being treated as less than it should be. "Simple object", on the other hand, simply describes something lacking complexity without necessarily implying devaluation.

What are some synonyms for "mere object"?

Some synonyms for "mere object" include "insignificant thing", "worthless item", or "trivial entity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "mere object"?

Yes, describing something as a "mere object" generally carries a negative connotation. It implies that the thing in question is being undervalued, dehumanized, or treated without the respect or consideration it deserves.