aim

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /eɪm/
• SAMPA: /eIm/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular aim

Plural aims

1. (countable) An aim is something you want to do or have done.

   The aim of the study was to find out if these students would talk differently to themselves during independent work.

   We certainly didn't accomplish the war aims set forward by the governments.

   The ultimate aim is to be able to cure the disease.

2. (uncountable) If you take aim at something, you point a gun or other weapon at it.

   He takes aim and fires.

3. (uncountable) If you take aim at something, you turn your attention to it.

   The book takes aim at politicians and their wasteful spending.

4. (countable) Your aim is your skill in hitting something that you are shooting, throwing, kicking, etc. at.

   He threw the stone at the bird, but his aim wasn't so good.

Synonyms

• goal
• objective

Related words

• aimless
• aimlessness
• aimlessly

Verb

Plain form aim

Third-person singular aims

Past tense aimed

Past participle aimed

Present participle aiming

This man is aiming a gun at a target

1. (intransitive) If you aim at doing something, you plan or try to do it.

   The new rules for cars are aimed at reducing speeds and improving driver safety.

   Many cities have a variety of programs aimed at helping the homeless.

2. (transitive & intransitive) If you aim at something, you point a gun or other weapon at it.

   He grabbed for his gun, aimed it and started shooting.

Synonyms

• target