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aim at

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To point something at a target, or to make something for a particular group of people.

Literal meaning: To point something (a weapon, a gaze) directly at an object or person.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To point a weapon, object, or camera directly at a target.

"He aimed the camera at the birds perched on the rooftop."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To design or intend something for a specific group or purpose.

"This advertising campaign is aimed at young professionals between 25 and 35."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To direct criticism, a comment, or a remark toward a specific person.

"Her sharp remarks were clearly aimed at her colleague across the table."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Works both literally (aiming a gun) and figuratively (a campaign aimed at young people). The passive form 'aimed at' is very frequent in advertising and academic writing to describe the intended audience or purpose.

Commonly used with

target audience children market goal reduction

Forms

Base
aim at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
aims at
he/she/it
Past simple
aimed at
yesterday
Past participle
aimed at
have + pp
-ing form
aiming at
continuous

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Synonyms

target direct at intend for point at focus on design for

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