aim
gb/ˈeɪm/ us/ˈeɪm/
A2
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Point a weapon or device
To point something like a gun or camera at something you want to hit or see.
Usage pattern:
to aim [something] at [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'aim' with 'shoot'; 'aim' is about pointing, not firing.
Synonyms
direct (Focuses on guiding something toward a target but can be broader than physical pointing.)
Antonyms
misdirect (Indicates pointing away from the intended target.)
Collocations
aim carefully
|aim directly
|aim at the target
|aim the camera
|aim the gun
Themes
sports
|military
|photography
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She aimed the camera at the sunset.
- The soldier aimed his rifle at the enemy.
- Aim the remote at the TV for it to work.
- He aimed the arrow straight at the bullseye.
- The director aimed the spotlight at the main actor.
Learner examples
- I aim the ball at the box.
- She aims her phone at the cat.
- He aims the water gun at his friend.
- We aim the light at the wall.
Verb
B1
action
2
Try to achieve a goal
To plan or try to get a certain result.
Usage pattern:
to aim to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'aim to do' with 'plan doing'; correct form is 'aim to do'.
Synonyms
intend (Focuses on purpose or plan without necessarily implying effort toward it.)
Antonyms
neglect (Shows lack of effort or intention toward a goal.)
Collocations
aim to please
|aim for success
|aim high
|aim for improvement
Themes
goals
|business
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We aim to finish the project by Friday.
- The new policy aims to reduce pollution.
- She aims to become a doctor one day.
- The campaign aims to raise awareness about climate change.
Learner examples
- I aim to read more books.
- They aim to win the game.
- We aim to help people.
- He aims to learn English.
Noun
A2
entity
3
A goal or purpose
Something you want to do or get; a goal.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'aim' instead of 'goal' in places where 'goal' sounds more natural in casual speech.
Synonyms
objective (Often used in formal contexts for specific goals.)
Antonyms
disregard (Lack of intention or interest in achieving something.)
Collocations
main aim
|primary aim
|long-term aim
|achieve your aim
Themes
goals
|business
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her main aim is to improve her English.
- The aim of the game is to score more points than the other team.
- Our aim is to provide affordable healthcare.
- He achieved his aim of running a marathon.
Learner examples
- My aim is to be happy.
- The aim of this game is to win.
- Her aim is to make friends.
- Our aim is to learn English.
Noun
B1
action
4
Act of pointing at target
When you point something like a gun or camera at something you want to hit or see.
Synonyms
alignment (Refers more specifically to positioning, often in technical contexts.)
Antonyms
misalignment (Failure to direct accurately toward a target.)
Collocations
good aim
|take aim
|steady aim
Themes
sports
|military
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He took careful aim before throwing the dart.
- Her aim was steady despite her nerves.
- The archer's aim was perfect.
Learner examples
- He has good aim with the ball.
- She takes aim before she shoots.
- My aim is not good.
Grammar
Dictionary form
aim
IPA
GB/ˈeɪm/
US/ˈeɪm/
Syllables & stress
aim (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (aim)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: aim
- Plural: aim, aims
Verb
- Base: aim
- 3rd Person Singular: aims
- Present Participle: aiming
- Past: aimed
Word family
Expressions
take aim at
1/tˈeɪk ˈeɪm ˈæt/
fixed phrase
Direct weapon or criticism at target
To point a weapon at someone or something, or to direct strong criticism toward them.
Examples
- The hunter took aim at the deer.
- In his speech, he took aim at unfair laws.
take dead aim at
1/tˈeɪk dˈɛd ˈeɪm ˈæt/
idiom
Focus completely on target/goal
To give all your attention and effort to hitting a target or reaching a goal.
Examples
- He took dead aim at breaking the record.
- The company has taken dead aim at increasing market share.
with the aim of
1/wˈɪθ ðə ˈeɪm əv/
fixed phrase
formal
With purpose of doing something
Having the purpose of doing something.
Examples
- They met with the aim of starting a new project.
- This law was passed with the aim of reducing crime.
aim high
1/ˈeɪm hˈaɪ/
fixed phrase
Set ambitious goals
To try for something big or difficult to reach.
Examples
- You should always aim high if you want to succeed.
- You should always aim high when planning your career.
- She aims high in her career choices.
- The coach told the team to aim high this season.