Target Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฏ
target
[หtษหrษกษชt ]
Definitions
goal
A target is a goal or object that someone is trying to hit or achieve.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| target |
Used in contexts related to goals that are specific and measurable, often in business, marketing, and technical fields. It can also refer to someone or something being aimed at in a competitive or aggressive manner.
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| goal |
Often used in personal development, sports, and business settings where an end result is sought after. It implies a broader and more long-term pursuit than 'target'.
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| objective |
Used in formal settings like business and education, where specific steps or outcomes are clearly defined. It emphasizes clarity and specificity.
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| aim |
Used for intentions or purposes that are more general and less quantifiable. It often reflects a personal or organizational intention to achieve something.
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Examples of usage
- The archer aimed carefully at the target.
- Our sales target for this month is $100,000.
something or someone to shoot at
A target can also refer to something or someone that is aimed at or shot at, often in a shooting range or in a military context.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| target |
Used when talking about an objective or a goal, often in a business or competitive setting.
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| bullseye |
Refers specifically to the center of a target, especially in shooting or archery. It can also be used metaphorically in everyday language to indicate a perfect aim or hit.
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| mark |
General term that can refer to a target or objective. It can also mean a distinguishing sign or symbol. In a negative context, 'mark' can refer to a person who is the target of a scam or crime.
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| quarry |
Primarily used in hunting to refer to the animal being hunted. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person or thing being pursued or sought after.
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Examples of usage
- The police officers practiced shooting at targets at the range.
- The enemy soldiers were within range of our targets.
to aim at or try to hit a target
To target means to aim at or focus on a specific goal or objective.
Synonyms
aim at, direct towards, focus on.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| target |
Best used when referring to specific goals or objectives, often in a strategic, business, or marketing context.
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| aim at |
Commonly used when discussing the intention to achieve a specific result or affect a particular group. It often has a broader, more general application than 'target'.
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| focus on |
Best used when emphasizing concentration or attention on a particular task, issue, or area. It suggests a deeper level of engagement or involvement.
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| direct towards |
Typically used in scenarios where actions, efforts, or resources are being channeled in a specific direction or towards a specific goal. More formal than 'aim at'.
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Examples of usage
- The marketing campaign targeted young adults.
- The new policy targets reducing carbon emissions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Setting clear, achievable targets can significantly increase motivation and focus in both personal and professional settings.
- Research indicates that people who set specific targets are more likely to succeed compared to those with vague goals.
Sports
- In archery, a target consists of concentric circles, with the bullseye being the highest scoring area.
- Different sports, like darts or shooting, have their own specific types of targets, each designed with unique scoring methods.
Marketing
- In advertising, identifying a target audience is crucial for effective campaigns, as it helps determine who the message is intended for.
- Successful marketing often involves creating targeted strategies to reach specific demographics, maximizing engagement and sales.
Technology
- In computer programming, a 'target' can refer to a specific computer or device that a program is intended to run on.
- Targeting in digital advertising uses algorithms to analyze users' behaviors, allowing businesses to reach the right consumers efficiently.
Origin of 'target'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'target' comes from the Middle French 'tergete', meaning a small, round target used in archery.
- In English, it emerged in the early 15th century, originally referring to a shield or a small target for practice.
The word 'target' originated from the Old French word 'targette', meaning 'a small shield'. It was first used in English in the 14th century to refer to a shield or object to be aimed at. Over time, the meaning expanded to include goals or objectives to be achieved. The modern usage of 'target' in its various forms has evolved to encompass a wide range of contexts, from archery to marketing strategies.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #2,008, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.
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- 2005 significantly
- 2006 specifically
- 2007 secretary
- 2008 target
- 2009 membership
- 2010 campaign
- 2011 proceeding
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