# aim

/ˈeɪm/ (US) · /ˈeɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aim
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a goal or purpose

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- Our main aim is to increase sales by ten percent this year.
- The primary aim of the research project was to identify the long-term environmental impacts of urban expansion on local water tables.

### 2. pointing at a target

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The hunter took careful aim before pulling the trigger.
- The archer's aim was remarkably steady despite the gusting winds that threatened to pull the arrow off course.

### 3. to intend or plan

verb · CEFR B1

to plan or hope to achieve something.

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

- We aim to finish the renovations before the summer holidays start.
- 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').

### 4. to point a weapon

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 5. to target an audience

verb · CEFR B2

to design something for a specific group of people.

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

- This new television show is aimed at teenagers.
- 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').

## Examples

- My main aim is to finish the project by Friday.
- The primary aim of the new marketing campaign is to increase brand awareness among younger consumers.
- While the immediate aim of the policy was to reduce inflation, the long-term strategy focused on stabilizing the national currency against international market fluctuations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.