Pronunciations
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/eɪm/
Noun
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.
- Examples
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to take aim
Take time with the aim of your gun.
More examples (1)
2012, "The Legend of the Gobblewonker", season 1, episode 2 of Gravity Falls, spoken by Grunkle Stan, voiced by Alex Hirsch My ex-wife still misses me, but her aim is getting better!
The level of accuracy of a weapon.
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A rifle has more precise aim than a shotgun.
The point intended to be hit, or object intended to be attained or affected.
Intention or goal.
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My number one aim in life is to make money to make my parents, siblings, and kids happy.
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There is no doubt at all that this is the future of machinery, and just as trees grow while the country gentleman is asleep, so while Humanity will be amusing itself, or enjoying cultivated leisure—which, and not labour, is the aim of man—or making beautiful things, or reading beautiful things, or simply contemplating the world with admiration and delight, machinery will be doing all the necessary and unpleasant work.
As a matter of fact the Enlightment culture was based on a philosophy inspired to an ethical laicism whose aim was to create a better society based on principles such as solidarity, equality of rights and duties, and full freedom.
The ability of someone to aim straight; one’s faculty for being able to hit a physical target.
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The police officer has excellent aim, always hitting the bullseye in shooting practice.
He has a bad aim, so he decided to join archery classes.
Conjecture; guess.
Usage- Obsolete
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What you would work me to, I have some aim.
Verb
To point or direct a missile, or a weapon which propels as missile, towards an object or spot with the intent of hitting it
Usage- Intransitive
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He aimed at the target, but the arrow flew straight over it.
To direct the intention or purpose; to attempt the accomplishment of a purpose; to try to gain; to endeavor;—followed by at, or by an infinitive
Usage- Intransitive
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to aim at a pass
to aim to do well in life
More examples (2)
The stories did not seem to me to touch life. They were plainly intended to have a bracing moral effect, and perhaps had this result for the people at whom they were aimed.
Risk is everywhere.[…]For each one there is a frighteningly precise measurement of just how likely it is to jump from the shadows and get you. “The Norm Chronicles”[…]aims to help data-phobes find their way through this blizzard of risks.
To direct or point (e.g. a weapon), at a particular object; to direct, as a missile, an act, or a proceeding, at, to, or against an object
Usage- Transitive
- Synonyms
- Examples
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to aim an arrow at the deer
She aimed a punch at her ex-boyfriend.
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He aimed the gun at him and he held his hands up in surrender.
To direct (something verbal) towards a certain person, thing, or group
Usage- Transitive
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to aim a satirical comment at Communists in general
To guess or conjecture.
Usage- Intransitive
- Obsolete
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But, good my lord, do it so cunningly / That my discovery be not aimed at;
Noun
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
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his intent was to provide a new translation
good intentions are not enough
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it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
he made no secret of his designs
the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
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the sole object of her trip was to see her children
the action of directing something at an object
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he took aim and fired
the direction or path along which something moves or along which it lies
Verb
point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
- Broader terms
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Please don't aim at your little brother!
He trained his gun on the burglar
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Don't train your camera on the women
Take a swipe at one's opponent
propose or intend
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I aim to arrive at noon
move into a desired direction of discourse
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What are you driving at?
specifically design a product, event, or activity for a certain public
intend (something) to move towards a certain goal
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He aimed his fists towards his opponent's face
criticism directed at her superior
More examples (1)
direct your anger towards others, not towards yourself
direct (a remark) toward an intended goal
- Examples
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She wanted to aim a pun
have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
- Synonyms