What is aim? Pronunciation and usage in English

aim means . Learn how to pronounce and use aim through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of aim

aimverb/noun

/eɪm/
Definition & pronunciation of aim

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "aim." It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced!

Here's the breakdown:

  • The sound is /eɪ/ (like "ay") – This is the key! Many people say "ahm," which is incorrect.
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("aim").

Here's how it sounds:

Think of the sound you make when you say "hay" or "day." That's a good approximation.

Here are some tips:

  • Don't say "ahm." Seriously, this is the most common mistake.
  • Practice saying "ay" as a syllable. Try repeating "ay, ay, ay."
  • Combine "ay" and "m." Say "ay-m."

Resources for listening:

  • Google Translate: Type "aim" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • Forvo: This website has pronunciations by native speakers: https://forvo.com/word/aim/

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "aim"?
  • Help you practice saying it out loud (though I can't actually hear you, you can describe how you're trying to say it)?

Usage and examples with the word aim in English

Let's break down how to use the word "aim" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and grammatical functions. Here's a breakdown:

1. As a Verb (To Direct Something):

  • Primary Meaning: This is the most common usage. It means to direct something towards a specific target or goal.
    • Example: "I aim to finish this project by Friday." (Directing your effort)
    • Example: "She aimed her bow and arrow at the target." (Directing an object)
    • Example: "The climber aimed for the summit." (Directing a direction)
  • Phrasal Verbs: "Aim" frequently appears in phrasal verbs, changing its meaning:
    • Aim at: To try to achieve something. “He aims at becoming a doctor.”
    • Aim for: To try to achieve something, often something more specific. “She aims for a promotion.”
    • Aim to: To intend to do something. “I aim to learn Spanish this year.”
    • Aim down: (Specifically for rifles and guns) To line up the sights with a target.

2. As a Noun (A Goal or Purpose):

  • Primary Meaning: It refers to the desired outcome or intention.
    • Example: "What is your aim in life?" (Your overall goal)
    • Example: "His aim was to help people in need." (His purpose)
    • Example: "She has a clear aim." (A specific objective)

3. As an Adjective (Pointing or Directed):

  • Meaning: Describes something that is directed or pointed towards something else.
    • Example: "The camera had an aiming lens." (A lens designed to focus)
    • Example: "He used an aiming device to measure the distance." (A device that helps determine distance)

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To direct I aim my pen at the paper.
Noun A goal or purpose My aim is to travel the world.
Adjective Pointing or directed An aiming mechanism

Tips for Using "Aim" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: The meaning of “aim” depends heavily on how it’s used in the sentence.
  • Be mindful of phrasal verbs: These can significantly change the meaning.
  • Pay attention to the subject and object: “Aim” usually takes a direct object (what is being aimed).

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of "aim" in different contexts?
  • Explain how to use "aim" in a specific sentence you’re working on?
  • Discuss similar words like "target" or "goal"?

Synonyms for the word aim

Practice with vocabulary aim

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company’s primary _______ is to reduce its carbon footprint by 2030.
  2. She worked hard to _______ her goals, despite facing numerous challenges.
  3. The project’s _______ was to improve community health through better access to clean water.
  4. He couldn’t _______ his target because the conditions were too difficult.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What is the main _______ of this research project?
    a) purpose
    b) aim
    c) method
    d) result

  2. Which word best describes the intention behind an action?
    a) target
    b) objective
    c) aim
    d) effort

  3. The _______ of the meeting was to finalize the budget.
    a) goal
    b) plan
    c) aim
    d) agenda

  4. What does the word “objective” imply?
    a) A specific outcome
    b) A broad vision
    c) A detailed process
    d) A random idea

  5. Which word is NOT a synonym of “target”?
    a) aim
    b) purpose
    c) direction
    d) destination

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The organization wants to expand its services globally.
    Rewrite: The organization’s aim is to expand its services globally.

  2. Original: His intention was to improve team communication.
    Rewrite: His aim was to improve team communication.

  3. Original: The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about climate change.
    Rewrite: The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness about climate change.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. aim
  2. achieve
  3. aim
  4. hit

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) aim
  2. c) aim
  3. c) aim
  4. a) A specific outcome
  5. c) direction

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The organization’s aim is to expand its services globally.
  2. His aim was to improve team communication.
  3. The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness about climate change.

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