Difference Between Aim and Purpose

Aim vs Purpose
 

Aim and Purpose are two words that are often understood in the same sense though there is some difference between aim and purpose. Before analyzing how there exists a difference between aim and purpose, let us first have a general idea of the two words. Aim and purpose are both used as nouns and verbs in the English language. Then, if one takes a look at the history of the two words, aim and purpose, one finds that both of these words have their origins in the Middle English. In addition, both aim and purpose are used in certain phrases.

What does Aim mean?

An aim is the target towards which you work or perform. For example, you would work hard to score the highest marks in all the subjects among all other students in your classroom. In short, it can be said that your aim is to get the first rank in the examinations. This is the target you would like to achieve. When considering about the word aim, aim has a slight resemblance with the word goal as in the sentence given below.

My aim is to get an admission into a medical college.

Here, the word aim is understood as the goal of the person.

Now, let us have a look at some of the phrases that use the word aim.

Aim high (“be ambitious”)

A talented person like you should aim high.

Take aim (“point a weapon or camera at a target”)

Janessa took aim with her pistol.

What does Purpose mean?

On the other hand, a purpose is the result for which you work or perform. The purpose of an experiment in the Science laboratory is to achieve some sort of result that you look for. The purpose of your working hard before the examinations is to get a good result in the form of admission in a medical college. Sometimes the word purpose indicates the reason as in the following sentence.

The purpose of my visit to New York is to visit the landmarks there.

Here, you can see that the word purpose is used in the sense of reason. The speaker says that the reason behind his visit to New York is to pay a visit to all the landmarks there.

What is the difference between Aim and Purpose?

• An aim is the target towards which you work or perform. On the other hand, a purpose is the result for which you work or perform. This is the main difference between the two words aim and purpose.

• Sometimes the word purpose indicates the reason for something.

• On the other hand the word, aim has a slight resemblance with the word goal.

• The word aim is always used in the sense of target whereas the word purpose is not used in the sense of target.

• Purpose involves methodology whereas aim does not involve methodology. In other words, purpose works in a method. Aim works through perseverance. This is another important difference between the two words aim and purpose.

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