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."
inseparable
aim at
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To direct a weapon, camera, or effort toward a target, or to design something for a specific group.
In plain English
To point something at a target, or to make something for a particular group of people.
What does "aim at" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To point something (a weapon, a gaze) directly at an object or person.
Actually means
To point something at a target, or to make something for a particular group of people.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "aim at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
target audience children market goal reduction
How to conjugate "aim at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "aim at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "aim at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "aim at"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
design for direct at focus on intend for point at target
Keep exploring
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