The aim
/ði eɪm/
A2
Definition
The aim is what you want to do or get in the future. It is your goal or target. People have an aim when they try to complete a task or reach a result.
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See It in Action
A goal or purpose someone wants to achieve
- •The aim of this lesson is to learn new words.
- •Our aim is to finish the project by Friday.
- •What is the aim of your exercise?
The direction or point at which something is aimed (less common in this phrase form)
- •The aim of the camera is to capture clear photos.
- •He adjusted the aim of the flashlight.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "the aim" like "goal" or "target," but it is often used when talking about plans or reasons for doing something.
- ✓Picture an archer shooting an arrow at a bullseye on a target board.
- ✓It feels like when you decide to study hard because you want to pass a test.
- ✓Sounds like "aim" → imagine aiming carefully before throwing a ball to hit a basket.
- ✓In stories, heroes often have a clear aim or mission to complete.
- ✓NOT like "luck" (which happens by chance), "the aim" is something you choose and try to reach.
- ✓NOT like "accident" (no plan), "the aim" is always planned and wanted.
- ✓NOT like "wish" (just hope), the aim is something you work for actively.
Try Other Words
- •Goal: a result you want to reach (Use when talking about clear targets or achievements)
- •Purpose: the reason for doing something (Use when emphasizing why you do something)
- •Objective: a clear, planned target (Use in formal or business contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "the" (definite article) + "aim" (noun meaning goal or target)
- •Etymology: "Aim" comes from Old French "esmer" meaning to estimate or to direct
- •Historical development: Originally used for directing weapons or arrows, now also means general goals or purposes
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in everyday English to talk about what someone wants to do or achieve
Reflect & Connect
•How do you decide your aim when starting a new activity or project?
•Can the aim change over time? Why might that happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.The aim of the meeting was to ___ the new rules clearly to everyone.
2.When you have the aim to learn English, you need to ___ regularly.
3.Unlike a wish, the aim requires ___ actions to reach it.
4.The coach told us to keep our aim ___ during the game.
5.If the aim is unclear, people might ___ what to do next.
6.The aim of this exercise is ___ your vocabulary skills.
7.Sometimes, the aim changes because of new ___ or challenges.