/ eɪm; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C ] the purpose of doing sth; what sb is trying to achieve :
the aims of the lesson
She went to London with the aim of finding a job.
Our main aim is to increase sales in Europe.
Bob's one aim in life is to earn a lot of money.
Teamwork is required in order to achieve these aims .
She set out the company's aims and objectives in her speech.
➡ note at purpose
2.
[ U ] the action or skill of pointing a weapon at sb/sth :
Her aim was good and she hit the lion with her first shot.
The gunman took aim (= pointed his weapon) and fired.
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IDIOMS
- take aim at sb/sth
■ verb
1.
aim (at doing sth) | aim (at / for sth) to try or plan to achieve sth :
[ v ]
The government is aiming at a 50% reduction in unemployment.
They're aiming at training everybody by the end of the year.
We should aim for a bigger share of the market.
He has always aimed high (= tried to achieve a lot) .
[ v to inf ]
They are aiming to reduce unemployment by 50%.
We aim to be there around six.
2.
[ vn ] be aimed at to have sth as an aim :
These measures are aimed at preventing violent crime.
3.
aim (sth) (at sb/sth) | aim (for sb/sth) to point or direct a weapon, a shot, a kick, etc. at sb/sth :
[ v ]
I was aiming at the tree but hit the car by mistake.
Aim for the middle of the target.
[ vn ]
The gun was aimed at her head.
4.
[ vn ] [ usually passive ] aim sth at sb to say or do sth that is intended to influence or affect a particular person or group :
The book is aimed at very young children.
My criticism wasn't aimed at you.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French amer , variant of esmer (from Latin aestimare assess, estimate), reinforced by aemer , aesmer (from late Latin adaestimare , intensified form of aestimare ).