aiming
v. · n.-
1 targeting a goal (v.) A2 Elementarytrying to reach a goal or achieve something specific.
directing one's efforts or intentions toward a specific objective or outcome.
ExampleThe company is aiming for a twenty percent increase in sales this year.
ExampleThe government is currently aiming to reduce carbon emissions by half before the end of the decade through aggressive policy changes.
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'for' plus a noun, or 'at' plus a gerund.
PitfallWe are aiming to the top prize.We are aiming for the top prize.When the target is a noun, use 'for'. When the target is an action, use 'to' followed by a verb (e.g., 'aiming to win').
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2 pointing at a target (v.) B1 Intermediatepointing a weapon, camera, or tool at a specific person or thing.
pointing or directing a weapon, object, or gaze toward a specific physical target.
ExampleHe spent a long time aiming his camera at the rare bird in the tree.
ExampleThe archer stood perfectly still, aiming his arrow at the center of the target while waiting for the wind to die down.
UsageTypically takes the preposition 'at'.
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3 the act of targeting (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sportthe physical act of pointing something at a target.
the action of directing a projectile or gaze toward a mark; the technical execution of a shot.
ExampleHis aiming was slightly off, so the ball missed the goal.
ExampleThe instructor noted that her aiming improved significantly once she learned to control her breathing during the release.