aim
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a result that your plans or actions are intended to achieve.
n.a purpose or intention; a desired outcome toward which effort is directed.
Simple“Our main aim is to increase sales by ten percent this year.”
In context“The primary aim of the research project was to identify the long-term environmental impacts of urban expansion on local water tables.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.the act of pointing a weapon or an object at a target.
n.the act of directing a weapon or projectile; the ability to hit a target accurately.
Simple“The hunter took careful aim before pulling the trigger.”
In context“The archer's aim was remarkably steady despite the gusting winds that threatened to pull the arrow off course.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
v.to plan or hope to achieve something.
v.to direct one's efforts or intentions toward a specific goal; often followed by 'to' or 'at'.
Simple“We aim to finish the renovations before the summer holidays start.”
In context“The new government policy aims at reducing carbon emissions by incentivising the transition to electric public transport.”
UsageWhen used as a verb of intention, it is typically followed by an infinitive ('aim to do') or 'at' plus a gerund ('aim at doing').
PitfallWe aim at finish the project by Friday. We aim to finish the project by Friday.When 'aim' is followed by another verb, use the infinitive 'to' + verb.
- 04 B1 Intermediate
v.to point a weapon or a camera at a person or thing.
v.to direct a weapon, projectile, or device toward a specific target.
Simple“He aimed the camera at the birds sitting on the fence.”
In context“The artillery crew aimed the cannon at the distant fortifications, adjusting the elevation based on the spotter's coordinates.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'at'.
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to design something for a specific group of people.
v.to direct a product, remark, or piece of information toward a specific audience.
Simple“This new television show is aimed at teenagers.”
In context“The marketing campaign was specifically aimed at young professionals who value sustainable manufacturing over low prices.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice ('is aimed at').
Usage aim to establish · aims to make · aim to become