aim

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.

“Aim” is pronounced aym (/eɪm/ in IPA).

Here is “aim” used in a sentence: “He aimed the arrow carefully before releasing it.”

Words with a similar meaning to “aim” include design, end, ettle, intention, mint and object.

Depending on how it is used, “aim” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “aim” comes from Latin. From Middle English aimen, borrowed from Old French esmer, "to estimate," ultimately from Latin aestimare, "to estimate.".

“Aim” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Aim” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to point a weapon or object at a target.

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.

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.

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.

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.