Aim (Verb)
Meaning 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".
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- She carefully aimed the camera at the group of children to capture the perfect shot.
- The archer took a moment to steady her arm before she aimed at the target.
- He was told not to aim the blow at his opponent's face during the boxing match.
- Tourists were advised not to aim their cameras directly at the wildlife.
- Police officers were trained not to aim their guns recklessly at bystanders during hostage situations.
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Meaning 2
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".
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- She aimed her criticism at her coworker's lack of professionalism during the meeting.
- The protesters aimed their chants at the government, demanding a change in policy.
- The charity aimed its efforts at providing food and shelter for the homeless.
- He aimed his anger at the driver who had just cut him off in traffic.
- The artist aimed her creativity at capturing the beauty of the natural world.
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Meaning 3
Have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal.
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
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Meaning 4
Propose or intend; "I aim to arrive at noon".
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- I aim to attend every meeting on time and fully prepared.
- She aims to finish her project before the deadline.
- He aims to eat healthier by cutting down on fast food.
- The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 2025.
- I aim to read one book per month to expand my knowledge.
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Meaning 5
Move into a desired direction of discourse; "What are you driving at?".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- She spoke for hours but it was unclear what she was trying to aim at with her incoherent monologue.
- Can you aim straight and tell me the truth, instead of beating around the bush.
- You've been searching, but what exactly is it that you're trying to aim for.
- The politician's answer seemed irrelevant, it was clear she couldn't aim at responding directly to the question.
- Their conversation seemed pointless, as nobody was willing to take a clearer aim and steer the dialogue towards a solution.
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Meaning 6
Specifically design a product, event, or activity for a certain public.
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- The marketing team will aim their new advertising campaign at teenagers who use social media platforms.
- The company's goal is to aim its educational board games at children between the ages of 5 and 10.
- The artist will aim her upcoming exhibition at fans of contemporary abstract art.
- Local government officials aim their public health initiatives at low-income communities.
- This event management company will aim its charity runs at families and recreation runners.
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Meaning 7
Direct (a remark) toward an intended goal; "She wanted to aim a pun".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- The comedian aimed a joke at the heckler in the front row.
- She wanted to aim a pun at her friend's love of wordplay.
- The senator aimed a scathing attack at her opponent's record.
- The writer aimed a satirical essay at the absurdity of modern society.
- The politician aimed a veiled critique at the rival party's leader.