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View synonyms for

attain

[ uh-teyn ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to reach, achieve, or accomplish; gain; obtain:

    to attain one's goals.

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms:

  2. to come to or arrive at, especially after some labor or tedium; reach:

    to attain the age of 96;

    to attain the mountain peak.

    Antonyms:



verb (used without object)

  1. to arrive at or succeed in reaching or obtaining something (usually followed by to or unto ):

    to attain to knowledge.

  2. to reach in the course of development or growth:

    These trees attain to remarkable height.

attain

/ əˈٱɪ /

verb

  1. tr to achieve or accomplish (a task, goal, aim, etc)
  2. tr to reach or arrive at in space or time

    to attain old age

  3. introften foll byto to arrive (at) with effort or exertion

    to attain to glory

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌٲԲˈٲ, noun
  • ˈٲԲ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ٲ· noun
  • ··ٲ verb (used with object)
  • ܲ··ٲ·Բ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of attain1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English atei(g)nen, from Anglo-French, Old French ateign- (stem of ateindre ), from unattested Vulgar Latin attangere (for Latin attingere ), equivalent to Latin at- at- + tangere “to touch”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of attain1

C14: from Old French ateindre, from Latin attingere to reach, from tangere to touch
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Synonym Study

See gain 1.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But by studying those areas of identity overlap between herself and Charles, she stands a better chance of attaining what she cares deeply about.

From

Then, we see a photo somehow attained of the actual family whose home was invaded, also with their faces blurred.

From

I don’t have disdain for it because I can’t attain it.

From

A desire to maintain privacy as she attains the kind of visibility that has people curious about her dating life is its own type of Hollywood thriller.

From

Getting a leg up in life — or just being financially comfortable — is an increasingly difficult solace to attain, blocked by tax breaks for the rich, incessant bills and unaffordable housing.

From

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