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Aimlessly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Aimlessly means to do something without a clear purpose, direction, or goal. It often describes wandering or acting in a way that lacks focus or intention. For example, He walked aimlessly around the park.

aimlessly

/ˈeɪmləsli/ /ˈeɪmləsli/

Definition:

Without purpose or direction; wandering without a clear goal.

Synonyms:

purposelessly, haphazardly, randomly, without aim

Part of Speech:

adverb

Antonyms:

purposefully, deliberately, intentionally

Common Collocations:

wander aimlessly, drift aimlessly, walk aimlessly, move aimlessly

Derivatives:

aimless (adj.), aimlessness (n.)

Usage Tips:

Use "aimlessly" to describe actions lacking direction or intention, often implying wasted effort or time.

Common Phrases:

wander aimlessly, drift aimlessly like a leaf, roam aimlessly

Etymology:

Derived from "aim" (Old French "esmer") + "-less" (without) + "-ly" (adverb suffix), meaning "without purpose."

Examples:

  • 1. She wandered aimlessly through the park all afternoon.
  • 2. The dog trotted aimlessly around the yard, sniffing at nothing in particular.
  • 3. He scrolled through his phone aimlessly, bored and restless.
  • 4. Leaves floated aimlessly on the surface of the pond.

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