aim

Something you want to achieve.

• Our aim is to help children read.
• The project has several aims.
• What is your main aim for this year?

How to use it: aim of something (The aim of the project is to reduce waste.); with the aim of doing something (We met with the aim of solving the problem.)

Similar words: goal, objective, purpose

Common phrases: main aim, aim of something, with the aim, aim in life

The act of pointing a weapon towards something you want to hit.

• She took aim and fired.
• He adjusted his aim before releasing the arrow.
• The soldier took careful aim at the distant target.

How to use it: take aim at someone/something (The archer took aim at the target.)

Common phrases: take aim, aim at something, careful aim

Your ability to hit what you are shooting, throwing, or kicking towards.

• Your aim is good.
• Practice improved her aim with the bow.
• His poor aim sent the ball over the fence.

Similar words: accuracy

Common phrases: good aim, poor aim, improve your aim

In “take aim at”, attention directed towards someone or something you want to criticize or challenge.

• The speech takes aim at corrupt leaders.
• Her latest book took aim at unfair laws.
• Critics have taken aim at the company’s hiring policy.

How to use it: take aim at someone/something (The article takes aim at wasteful spending.)

Common phrases: take aim, aim at someone, aim at something

The person or thing that a shot or action is intended to hit or affect.

• The arrow missed its aim.
• The rider was the archer’s chosen aim.
• Every shot reached its intended aim.

Similar words: target, mark

Common phrases: intended aim, his aim, reach its aim

To plan or try to achieve something.

• I aim to pass the test.
• The programme aims at improving reading skills.
• They aimed for a faster delivery service.

How to use it: aim to do something (We aim to finish by Friday.); aim at doing something (The changes aim at reducing delays.); aim for something (She aims for a place in the final.)

Similar words: try, intend, seek

Common phrases: aim to improve, aim at something, aim for success, aim to succeed

To point a weapon or another object towards something you want to hit.

• Aim at the red circle.
• He aimed his rifle at the tree.
• She aimed the ball towards the open goal.

How to use it: aim at someone/something (He aimed at the target.); aim something at someone/something (She aimed the camera at the bird.)

Similar words: point, direct

Common phrases: aim a gun, aim at something, aim something at

To direct a comment, criticism, or message towards a particular person or group.

• He aimed the joke at me.
• Her remarks were aimed at the whole committee.
• The campaign aims its message at young voters.

How to use it: aim something at someone/something (She aimed her criticism at the management.)

Similar words: direct, address

Common phrases: aim criticism at, aim a remark, aim something at