[michèle 2]

For me they are synonyms. Is there a difference between purpose and aim ?
Can someone explain?

[mesmark]

'purpose' deals with reason or desire.
'aim' is a goal.

They can be used in many situations similarly, but to give a nuance example:

That was the main purpose of the project.
- the desired effect, the point the project was trying to convey, the reason we did this in the first place

That was the main aim of the project.
- the goal, what we wanted to accomplish, what we set out to do

While those definitions could be swapped, I think it's the part in the red that really separates 'purpose' and 'aim.' It really can't go under the 'aim' example.

[michèle 2]

Thanks, Mark