aim
aym
Aim (verb) means to point a weapon or object at a target. Example: “He aimed the arrow carefully before releasing it.”
verb
1
To point a weapon or object at a target.
"He aimed the arrow carefully before releasing it."
"She aimed the camera at the sunset."
"The goalkeeper aimed his kick towards the far corner of the pitch."
2
To intend or work toward a particular goal.
"We aim to finish the project by Friday."
"She aims to read one book every week this year."
"The charity aims at helping children learn to swim."
noun
1
A goal or intention.
"Her aim was to become a doctor by thirty."
"The main aim of the meeting is to agree a plan."
"Our aim is to make learning English fun for everyone."
2
The act of pointing something, such as a weapon, at a target; also, one's skill at hitting a target.
"His aim was off, and the shot missed the target."
"With careful aim, she knocked over all the tins at the fair."
"Good aim takes hours of practice with a bow."
How to use aim
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo point something at a target, or the goal you're working toward.
Common pairings
aim for
aim to
take aim
good aim
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like aim.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- aims
- Third person singular
- aims
- Past tense
- aimed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ the arrow carefully before releasing it.
Etymology
From Middle English aimen, borrowed from Old French esmer, "to estimate," ultimately from Latin aestimare, "to estimate."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for aim
See all rhymes for aim →Frequently asked questions
What does “aim” mean?
The word “aim” means to point a weapon or object at a target. In plain terms, to point something at a target, or the goal you're working toward.
How do you pronounce “aim”?
“Aim” is pronounced aym (/eɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “aim” in a sentence?
Here is “aim” used in a sentence: “He aimed the arrow carefully before releasing it.”
What is another word for “aim”?
Words with a similar meaning to “aim” include design, end, ettle, intention, mint and object.
What part of speech is “aim”?
Depending on how it is used, “aim” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “aim” come from?
The word “aim” comes from Latin. From Middle English aimen, borrowed from Old French esmer, "to estimate," ultimately from Latin aestimare, "to estimate.".
Is “aim” a common word?
“Aim” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “aim” have?
“Aim” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to point a weapon or object at a target.
What is the difference between aim and point?
Both involve directing something in a particular direction, but aim adds intention and a target. To point is simply to indicate a direction, while to aim is to line something up so it will hit or reach a specific target. You point at the horizon, but you aim a bow at the bullseye.
What is the difference between aiming and shooting?
Aiming and shooting are two stages of the same action. To aim is to line up a weapon or object with its target and hold it steady. To shoot or fire is to actually release the projectile. You aim first to be accurate, then shoot, so aiming always comes before the shot.
What is an example of aim in a sentence?
You might say, "She aimed the arrow carefully before letting go," or "He aimed the hose at the flames." The verb also has a figurative sense of intending or striving, as in "They aim to finish by Friday," showing how aiming at a target extends to aiming at a goal.
What does it mean to take aim?
To take aim is to point a weapon or object carefully at a target and prepare to hit it, focusing on accuracy before acting. The phrase is also used figuratively to mean directing criticism or effort at something, as when a writer takes aim at a policy they disagree with.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include aim:
