Aims
/eɪmz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA purpose or intention; something that one intends to achieve.
/eɪmz/
A goal or purpose
What are your aims for this year?
💡 Simply: What you want to achieve.
More Examples
Their aims were ambitious but achievable.
How It's Used
"Her main aim in life is to become a doctor."
"The company's aims are to increase profits and expand into new markets."
To point or direct (something, such as a weapon or object) toward a target.
/eɪmz/
To point or direct something
He aimed the camera at the sunset.
💡 Simply: To point at something.
More Examples
She aimed to please.
How It's Used
"He aimed his rifle at the deer."
"She aimed for the center of the target."
Idioms & expressions
Take aim
To prepare to shoot or throw something.
"He took aim and fired."
From Old English *æmman, meaning "to intend". The modern usage evolved from the older meaning of purpose or intention.
While the root suggests an earlier meaning of intention, the modern usage as a goal or objective solidified in the late Middle Ages.
Memory tip
Think of 'aiming' a bow and arrow at a target – your aim is the target.
Word Origin
"to intend"