goals
English meaning: Goals
Definition
A result that one is attempting to achieve.
Example
“My lifelong goal is to get into a Hollywood movie.”
Another example: “The striker scored two goals in the final ten minutes.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A plural noun for aims one is trying to achieve, common in business, education and self-help ('set goals', 'career goals'). In sport, it also means points scored by putting the ball in the net ('score goals'). Both senses very common.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
Of uncertain origin, recorded from the 16th century meaning 'boundary, finishing line'; possibly related to Old English 'gal' ('obstacle').
Related Words
Common Collocations
- set goals
- achieve goals
- career goals
- long-term goals
- score goals
- personal goals
Word Forms
goal (n); goals (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B