aim noun
1 purpose/goal
ADJ. broad, general, overall | basic, central, essential, fundamental | chief, first, key, main, major, primary, prime, principal, overriding | sole His sole aim in life is to enjoy himself. | clear, explicit It is important to have a clear aim in view. | ambitious | high, worthy Simple truth must be the highest aim of any real enquiry. | limited, modest | legitimate | common I want to see a strong and united country in which people work together with common aims. | underlying Although the report covers many areas, its underlying aim is to ensure that another accident never happens. | immediate, initial | original | eventual, ultimate His ultimate aim was to force the prime minister to resign. | long-term, short-term | avowed, declared, express/expressed, stated The express aim of the treaty is to keep the whole region free from nuclear weapons. | war | policy/political, strategic
VERB + AIM have | set youself | achieve, fulfil You will have to work hard to achieve your aim. | further, pursue They were intent on furthering their aims. The country is still pursuing its aim of joining the EU.
PREP. with the ~ of She started the organization with the aim of helping local people.
PHRASES aims and objectives What are the aims and objectives of this visit?
2 pointing weapon, etc.
ADJ. careful I'll take more careful aim next time. | poor His aim was poor and he missed the target.
VERB + AIM take
PREP. ~ at He took aim at the target and fired.