Aim

/eɪm/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To point or direct (something) at a target; to intend or plan.

/eɪm/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To direct something toward a target.

She aimed the camera at the beautiful sunset.

💡 Simply: To try to hit or achieve something.

More Examples

2

He aimed to finish the project by Friday.

How It's Used

Sports

"The archer aimed carefully at the bullseye."

General

"He aimed the gun at the target."

2

A purpose or goal; an object of effort; a shot at a target

/eɪm/

nounneutralBeginner
Goal

A purpose or goal.

His aim was to win the race.

💡 Simply: What you want to achieve.

More Examples

2

The aim of this project is to help people.

How It's Used

Business

"The company's main aim is to increase profits."

Life goals

"Her aim in life is to become a doctor."

Tip:Think of hitting the center of a target: that's the aim.

Idioms & expressions

take aim

To point a weapon at a target.

"The hunter took aim before firing his rifle."

From Old English *æmman, meaning "to guess, intend".

Historically, 'aim' has primarily been used in contexts of shooting, but its usage for general goals has broadened significantly in modern English.

Memory tip

Think of an arrow aiming at a target.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to guess, intend"

Base: aim
aim ataim fortake aim

Common misspellings

aimeaimm

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written