DictionaryAI

attain

verb
uh-TAYN/əˈteɪn/

Formsattains, attaining, attained

6 meanings of attain

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To finally get or reach something you have been working toward.

    Like reaching the top of a hill after a long climb.

    After years of practice, she finally attained her black belt.

    Hard work helped him attain the score he needed.

    Similarachieve, get, accomplish

    Oppositelose, forfeit

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To reach a place, time, or condition by moving or making progress toward it.

    Like finally reaching the door at the end of a long hallway.

    The hikers attained the summit just before sunset.

    We hope to attain the next town before dark.

    Similarreach, gain

  3. 3
    verbintransitive
    To reach something in the end through effort, growth, or movement toward it.

    Like climbing slowly until you finally stand where you always wanted to be.

    Through patience and study, she attained to a position of great respect.

    Few ever attain to such heights of skill.

    Similarreach, get

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To find out or come to know a fact or truth.

    Similarascertain

    Note
  2. 5
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To reach the same level as something else in skill or quality.
    Yet notwithstanding as Those that first bring Honour into their Family, are commonly more worthy, then most that succeed: So the first President (if it be good) is seldome attained by Imitation.
    1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Innovations”Here, attained means equaled or matched in how good it is.

    Similarequal

    Note
  3. 6
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To catch up with someone you were behind.

    Like running fast and finally catching the friend ahead of you.

    The messenger rode hard to attain the fleeing party before nightfall.

    At last the hounds attained the stag at the river's edge.

    Similarovertake

    Note

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Origin

It came through Middle English and Old French from the Latin word attingō.