DIMENSIONS: EVALUATION / Perspective
Goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.
R E F E R E N C E S
Goal Chiefly Northern esp in 1b & 3a... n. [ME gol boundary, limit] [1531] 1 a: the terminal point of a race b: an area to be reached safely in children's games 2: the end toward which effort is directed: AIM 3a: an area or object toward which players in various games attempt to advance a ball or puck and usu. through or into which it must go to score points b: the act or action of causing a ball or puck to go through or into such a goal c: the score resulting from such an act
-Syn see Intention. INTENTION, INTENT, PURPOSE, DESIGN, AIM, END, OBJECT, OBJECTIVE, GOAL mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. Intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about [annnounced his intention to marry]. Intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness [the clear intent of the statute]. Purpose suggests a more settled determination [being successful was her purpose in life]. Design implies a more carefully calculated plan [the order of events came by accident, not design]. Aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing [her aim was to raise film to an art form]. End stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such [willing to use any means to achieve his end]. Object may equal End but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need [his constant object was the achievement of pleasure]. Objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable [their objective is to seize the oil fields]. GOAL suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship [worked years to reach her goals].
[Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition. Springfield, MA, USA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. 1995.]
Copyright
The contents of this site, including all images and text, are for personal, educational, non-commercial use only. The contents of this site may not be reproduced in any form without proper reference to Text, Author, Publisher, and Date of Publication [and page #s when suitable].