aim
nounverbnouncommon in dialogue
- //eɪm//
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.
noun
- 1
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.
to take aim
Take time with the aim of your gun.
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!
- 2
The point intended to be hit, or object intended to be attained or affected.
- 3
Intention or goal.
My number one aim in life is to make money to make my parents, siblings, and kids happy.
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.
- 4
The ability of someone to aim straight; one’s faculty for being able to hit a physical target.
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.
- 5
obsoleteConjecture; guess.
What you would work me to, I have some aim.
Etymology
The verb is from Middle English amen, aimen, eimen (“to guess at, to estimate, to aim”), borrowed from Old French esmer, aesmer, asmer, from Latin ad- plus aestimare (“to estimate”), the compound perhaps being originally formed in Medieval Latin (adaestimare), perhaps in Old French. The noun is from Middle English ame, from Old French aesme, esme.
verb
- 1
To point or direct a missile, or a weapon which propels as missile, towards an object or spot with the intent of hitting it
He aimed at the target, but the arrow flew straight over it.
- 2
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
to aim at a pass
to aim to do well in life
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.
- 3
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
to aim an arrow at the deer
She aimed a punch at her ex-boyfriend.
He aimed the gun at him and he held his hands up in surrender.
- 4
To direct (something verbal) towards a certain person, thing, or group
to aim a satirical comment at Communists in general
- 5
obsoleteTo guess or conjecture.
But, good my lord, do it so cunningly / That my discovery be not aimed at;
noun
- 1
Variant of America Online AIMInitialism of America Online AIM; AOL Instant Messenger.
Forms
- plural
- aims
- past tense
- aimed
- past participle
- aimed
- present participle
- aiming
- third person singular
- aims
aim · 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;…
AIM · AIM, the secondary stock market of the London Stock Exchange;…aimed · Directed towards a target.aiming · The act of one who aims.