# aimed

/ˈeɪmd/ (US) · /ˈeɪmd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. pointed at a target

verb · CEFR B1

pointed a weapon, a camera, or an object at a specific person or thing.

For teachers: directed a weapon, tool, or gaze toward a specific physical target. Transitive when used with 'at'.

- The photographer aimed his camera at the rare bird before it flew away.
- The archer aimed his arrow with steady precision, waiting for the wind to die down before releasing the string.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'at'.

### 2. intended for a goal

verb · CEFR B1

planned or intended to achieve a particular result.

For teachers: intended or directed toward a specific objective or outcome. Often used in the passive voice.

- The new law is aimed at reducing plastic waste in the ocean.
- The marketing campaign was specifically aimed at young professionals who value sustainable fashion over fast-moving trends.

Usage: Commonly used in the passive construction 'be aimed at'.

### 3. directed towards

adjective · CEFR B2

describes something that is pointed or directed at a target.

For teachers: functioning as a participial adjective to describe an object or action directed toward a goal or target.

- The aimed shot hit the center of the target perfectly.
- The carefully aimed criticism was intended to provoke a response from the board members during the annual meeting.

## Examples

- The new advertising campaign is aimed at young families.
- The archer took a deep breath and aimed his arrow at the center of the target.
- The government's latest economic reforms are specifically aimed at reducing the national deficit while simultaneously protecting the interests of small business owners.

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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.
