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Aim Very Common

Aim has 15 different meanings across 3 categories:

Noun · Verb · Proper Noun

Definitions
Noun
1

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"

2

the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)

"the sole object of her trip was to see her children"

3

the action of directing something at an object

"he took aim and fired"

aim
4

the direction or path along which something moves or along which it lies

"The arrow flew off its intended aim and struck the tree behind the target."

5

The pointing of a weapon, as a gun, a dart, or an arrow, or object, in the line of direction with the object intended to be struck; the line of fire; the direction of anything, such as a spear, a blow, a discourse, a remark, towards a particular point or object, with a view to strike or affect it.

"I'll send you a quick message on AIM to let you know I've arrived at the station."

6

Initialism of America Online. AIM; AOL Instant Messenger.

In plain English: An aim is the specific goal you are trying to reach.

"The main aim of the project is to help local families find stable housing."

Usage: As a noun, aim refers to the specific goal or target you are trying to achieve in an activity. Do not use this word when referring to the instant messaging service, which is an acronym for America Online Instant Messenger.

Verb
1

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"

2

propose or intend

"I aim to arrive at noon"

3

move into a desired direction of discourse

"What are you driving at?"

4

specifically design a product, event, or activity for a certain public

"The new fitness app aims at busy professionals who need quick workouts during their lunch breaks."

5

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"

6

direct (a remark) toward an intended goal

"She wanted to aim a pun"

aim
7

have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal

"She aims to become the first woman elected mayor of her city by running for office next year."

8

To point or direct a missile, or a weapon which propels as missile, towards an object or spot with the intent of hitting it

"The sniper carefully adjusted his scope to aim at the distant target before pulling the trigger."

In plain English: To aim means to point something directly at a target so you can hit it.

"She aims to finish her report by tomorrow afternoon."

Usage: Use "aim" to describe the act of directing a weapon toward a target with the specific intent of striking it. This verb applies whether you are physically pointing a gun or figuratively setting a goal for future action.

Proper Noun
1

Initialism of Asteroid Impact Mission.

"The scientists are excited about AIM, which stands for Asteroid Impact Mission, as it could finally reveal how our solar system began."

Example Sentences
"The main aim of the project is to help local families find stable housing." noun
"His main aim in life is to help others." noun
"The arrow missed its target and flew off aim." noun
"She adjusted the camera's zoom until she found her best aim on the subject." noun
"She aims to finish her report by tomorrow afternoon." verb
See Also
fire pin tail on donkey cue up gun misaim goal shoot for stars fortake
Related Terms
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
goal steering direction position intend mean aim plan
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)
mind cross-purpose final cause sake view will grail business point thing tack target draw a bead on hold turn swing charge level sight address range in overshoot

Origin

The verb "aim" entered Middle English from Old French as a term for guessing or estimating something before taking on its current meaning of directing one's effort toward a goal. Its roots trace back to the Latin combination of ad- and aestimare, which literally means "to estimate."

Rhyming Words
zaim maim raim saim haim chaim claim reaim nsaim karaim misaim ephraim exclaim unclaim reclaim declaim acclaim cry aim take aim subclaim
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