aim
/eim/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- The direction or path along which something moves or points: The line of sight or trajectory towards a target.
- The action of directing something at an object: The act of pointing or focusing something, like a weapon or camera, at a target.
- The goal intended to be attained; an objective or purpose: A desired result or outcome that guides actions.
Verb:
- To point or direct (a weapon, camera, remark, etc.) at a target: To align something towards a specific point or object.
- To intend or try to achieve a particular goal: To have a specific purpose or objective in mind for one's actions.
- To design or intend something for a specific person or purpose: To create or direct something with a particular audience or outcome in mind.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- His aim was steady as he prepared to shoot. (The direction he was pointing was steady.)
- The main aim of the project is to reduce waste. (The primary goal of the project is waste reduction.)
Verb:
- Please aim the flashlight at the ceiling. (Please point the flashlight towards the ceiling.)
- She aims to finish her degree next year. (She intends to complete her degree next year.)
- This advertisement is aimed at young professionals. (This advertisement is designed for young professionals.)
Advanced Usage
"To take aim": To point a weapon at a target in preparation for firing.
- The archer took careful aim before releasing the arrow.
"To aim high": To set very ambitious goals.
- Don't be afraid to aim high in your career aspirations.
Variants and Related Words
Aimless (adj): Without a clear purpose or direction.
- He wandered around in an aimless manner.
Aimer (n): One who aims (less common).
- Aiming (n/gerund): The act of directing or pointing.
Synonyms
- Noun (Goal): Objective, intention, purpose, target.
- Verb (Point): Direct, point, train, level.
- Verb (Intend): Plan, intend, strive, seek.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Aim at:
- To point a weapon or object towards someone/something.
- He aimed the water gun at his friend.
- To have as a target or objective.
- The new policy aims at reducing inequality.
Aim for:
- To try to achieve or reach a target.
- We are aiming for a completion date in June.
Related Idioms
"Wide of the aim" / "Off aim": Inaccurate; missing the target or objective.
- His criticism was completely wide of the aim and ignored the real issue.
"Take aim at": To criticize or attack someone or something.
- The journalist took aim at the government's latest decision.
Noun
- the direction or path along which something moves or along which it lies
- the action of directing something at an object
- he took aim and fired
- the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
- the sole object of her trip was to see her children
- an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
- his intent was to provide a new translation
- good intentions are not enough
- it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
- he made no secret of his designs
Verb
- have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
- direct (a remark) toward an intended goal
- She wanted to aim a pun
- intend (something) to move towards a certain goal
- He aimed his fists towards his opponent's face
- criticism directed at her superior
- direct your anger towards others, not towards yourself
- specifically design a product, event, or activity for a certain public
- move into a desired direction of discourse
- What are you driving at?
- propose or intend
- I aim to arrive at noon
- point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
- Please don't aim at your little brother!
- He trained his gun on the burglar
- Don't train your camera on the women
- Take a swipe at one's opponent