aim

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
  2. noun the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
  3. noun the action of directing something at an object

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

purpose, intent, intention, design

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