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aim

n. · v.
US //ˈeɪm// UK //ˈeɪm// aim
  1. 1 a goal or purpose (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a result that your plans or actions are intended to achieve.

    a purpose or intention; a desired outcome toward which effort is directed.

    Example

    Our main aim is to increase sales by ten percent this year.

    Example

    The primary aim of the research project was to identify the long-term environmental impacts of urban expansion on local water tables.
  2. 2 pointing at a target (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act of pointing a weapon or an object at a target.

    the act of directing a weapon or projectile; the ability to hit a target accurately.

    Example

    The hunter took careful aim before pulling the trigger.

    Example

    The archer's aim was remarkably steady despite the gusting winds that threatened to pull the arrow off course.
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  1. 3 to intend or plan (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to plan or hope to achieve something.

    to direct one's efforts or intentions toward a specific goal; often followed by 'to' or 'at'.

    Example

    We aim to finish the renovations before the summer holidays start.

    Example

    The new government policy aims at reducing carbon emissions by incentivising the transition to electric public transport.

    Usage

    When used as a verb of intention, it is typically followed by an infinitive ('aim to do') or 'at' plus a gerund ('aim at doing').
    Pitfall
    We 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.

  2. 4 to point a weapon (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to point a weapon or a camera at a person or thing.

    to direct a weapon, projectile, or device toward a specific target.

    Example

    He aimed the camera at the birds sitting on the fence.

    Example

    The artillery crew aimed the cannon at the distant fortifications, adjusting the elevation based on the spotter's coordinates.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'at'.
  3. 5 to target an audience (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to design something for a specific group of people.

    to direct a product, remark, or piece of information toward a specific audience.

    Example

    This new television show is aimed at teenagers.

    Example

    The marketing campaign was specifically aimed at young professionals who value sustainable manufacturing over low prices.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice ('is aimed at').
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