aim
verb (transitive)
UK/eɪm/US/eɪm/
to direct or point (something) at a target; to intend or direct one’s efforts toward achieving something
Example Sentences
Please aim the camera at the stage so we can capture the entire performance.
The company wants to aim for a higher market share by the end of the year.
She aimed her next remarks directly at those who doubted her abilities.
They aim to reduce expenses by improving efficiency in all departments.
When you aim your efforts effectively, you can achieve significant outcomes with fewer resources.
The nonprofit aims to expand its educational programs, offering scholarships and training opportunities to communities in need, ultimately hoping to break the cycle of poverty.
We should aim for a fair resolution that satisfies both parties, respecting their individual concerns and ensuring a long-lasting, collaborative partnership.
He decided to aim his talents toward researching climate solutions, realizing that his scientific expertise could profoundly influence global environmental policies.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun (countable)
UK/eɪm/US/eɪm/
a purpose or intention; a goal one wants to achieve
Example Sentences
Their main aim is to develop a product that will revolutionize the industry.
She set clear aims at the start of the academic year to stay organized and excel in her coursework.
The aim of this workshop is to teach participants effective communication strategies.
Our marketing team’s aim is to reach new customers in emerging markets.
His immediate aim is to secure enough funding to sustain his startup for another year.
With the aim of fostering unity, the community group organized a series of events that celebrate cultural diversity and encourage open dialogue among neighbors.
Every researcher has the aim of producing data-driven insights that advance their field, ensure practical applications, and inspire further innovation.
Ensuring transparency is a central aim of the project, enabling stakeholders to track progress, contribute feedback, and trust the final outcomes.
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Synonyms
How to Use
To direct one’s efforts or focus toward a specific goal or target.Use “aim” when describing intentional action or a desired outcome. In a physical sense, it refers to positioning oneself to hit a target—like aiming a bow and arrow or a camera lens. In a figurative sense, it expresses setting or pursuing a goal, such as “I aim to improve my writing skills.” The word can signal the process of pinpointing an objective, as well as the action taken to achieve it. Whether it’s a sports competition, a career ambition, or a plan for self-improvement, “aim” emphasizes purposeful direction. You can also employ it in statements about intention, like “We aim to finish this project by Friday,” highlighting a clear, directed effort. In business or organizational strategies, “aim” signals priority, letting everyone know exactly what the group intends to achieve. Balancing “aim” with supporting details—like the methods, timeline, or resources—provides a clearer pathway to hitting that target. By focusing on “aim,” you clarify motive and technique, whether in casual conversation, project planning, or personal goal setting.
Alternatives
If you need synonyms or related phrases, consider “target,” “intend,” “strive,” or “focus on.” “Target” pinpoints a specific goal or objective, often used in sports, marketing, or project management. “Intend” emphasizes an internal decision or resolve, such as “I intend to start my own business.” “Strive” implies sustained effort and determination, suggesting you’ll put in serious work to reach your goal. “Focus on” underscores concentrated attention on a particular area or activity. Meanwhile, “aspire” highlights a hopeful or lofty ambition. Each alternative puts a slightly different spin on setting goals or directing energy. “Aim” is typically concise and direct, suitable for everyday use or formal contexts, but these related expressions can adapt your tone and nuance depending on the situation—be it lighthearted conversation, structured planning, or motivational writing.
Writing
In writing, “aim” condenses the idea of purposeful direction into a single, punchy term. If you’re drafting an essay or article, you might detail what the piece aims to accomplish—capturing main objectives right from the introduction. For instance, “This article aims to demystify home composting methods.” In instructions or proposals, “aim” helps readers quickly grasp the end goal—“Our program aims to reduce energy consumption by 20%.” Coupling “aim” with measurable outcomes can enhance clarity, illustrating how a plan’s success will be judged. In narrative or creative work, “aim” can serve as an anchor for a character’s motivation: “His sole aim was to win back her trust.” Varying your usage—sometimes writing “sets out to,” “intends,” or “focuses on”—keeps your text lively without losing the concise clarity that “aim” provides. Establishing clear aims in your writing ensures the audience understands purpose or direction, letting them track the progress toward that target as the text unfolds.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “aim” is a quick way to express what you plan or hope to do—“I aim to exercise three times a week,” or “We aim to meet for brunch on Sunday.” It sounds a bit more direct than “try” or “hope,” implying deliberate intention. When you say, “I aim to get this done today,” you’re stating a goal you genuinely expect to reach. Friends might also talk about aiming to save money or aiming to travel soon. The term isn’t as chatty as slang expressions—like “shoot for” or “going for”—but it remains straightforward and widely understood. You can also use “aim” when giving direction: “Aim for the middle of the target” if you’re playing darts, or “Aim the remote at the TV.” Whether about personal goals, immediate tasks, or playful instructions, “aim” plants a sense of purpose in your casual speech, letting others know your intentions and directions clearly.
Etymology
The word “aim” hails from the Old French “esmer,” meaning “to estimate” or “to reckon,” which in turn may trace back to Latin roots for weighing or evaluating. It originally pertained to judging where to direct a missile or arrow—literally gauging or estimating the best line of fire. Over time, “aim” evolved to include broader notions of setting and pursuing targets, from tangible objectives like hitting a bullseye to intangible ones like achieving personal or collective goals. The transition from physical aiming to metaphorical goal-setting highlights how language can adapt an image of precision—firing an arrow—to all sorts of strategic or purposeful endeavors. Today, “aim” still holds that core sense of intentional direction, whether you’re taking careful aim at a literal target or envisioning a long-term aspiration for your life or work.
