aim
noun
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?
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.
