Achieve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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achieve

[əˈtʃiːv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

goal

To successfully reach a desired goal or result through effort, skill, or courage.

Synonyms

accomplish, attain, reach, succeed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
achieve	Used when referring to reaching a goal or completing something important, often through effort or skill. She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor He achieved great success with his new business
accomplish	Used to describe the completion of a task or goal, especially one that required effort and planning. We were able to accomplish all our tasks ahead of schedule By working together, they accomplished amazing things
attain	Often used when reaching a specific level, status, or degree after effort or by natural development. He attained the highest score in the competition After years of hard work, she attained her ideal weight
reach	Used for arriving at a destination or achieving something after some effort, often indicating the completion of a journey or process. After several attempts, we finally reached the summit She reached her goal of writing a book
succeed	Pertains to achieving a desired result, often implying that the person has overcome challenges or competition. It can have a broader, more general use compared to the other words. With persistence, he will eventually succeed in his endeavors She succeeded where many others have failed

Examples of usage

She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.
The team achieved victory after a tough battle.
I believe that with determination, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

academic

To attain a high standard in a particular subject or skill through study or practice.

Synonyms

accomplish, attain, reach, succeed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
achieve	Use when highlighting the successful completion of a goal, particularly through effort or skill. She achieved her dream of becoming a doctor They worked hard to achieve high sales figures
accomplish	Used to indicate the completion of a specific task or goal, often implying a sense of fulfillment. We accomplished our mission ahead of schedule He managed to accomplish all his tasks for the day
attain	Choose this term when referring to reaching a specific level, standard, or goal, often through some effort. She attained her goal of losing twenty pounds They attained a high level of precision in their work
reach	Best used when indicating arrival at a goal or destination, either physically or metaphorically. He finally reached the summit after a grueling climb They reached an agreement after hours of negotiation
succeed	Refers to achieving a desired outcome, often after challenging work, carries a slightly broader connotation than others. She succeeded in her attempt to break the record To succeed in business, one must be both innovative and persistent

Examples of usage

He achieved top grades in his exams.
She achieved fluency in Spanish after years of study.
Hard work and dedication are essential to achieving success in academia.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

award

Something that is successfully accomplished, especially through effort or skill; a goal that has been reached.

Synonyms

accomplishment, attainment, success, triumph.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
achieve	It is often used when you are talking about putting in effort to reach a goal. It emphasizes the process and hard work. She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor. They achieved a major breakthrough in the research.
accomplishment	This word is commonly used to highlight something that has been completed successfully. It often implies a sense of pride and significant effort. Graduating from college is a significant accomplishment. His accomplishments in the field of science are well known.
attainment	It is typically used in formal or academic contexts to describe the action of achieving something over time, especially through dedication and effort. The attainment of his life goals brought him great satisfaction. Educational attainment is a key predictor of employment opportunities.
success	This is a general term that can be used in a wide variety of contexts to indicate the achievement of a desired result. His business venture was a huge success. She found success as a chef in a top restaurant.
triumph	Typically used when referring to a magnificent victory or achievement, often over a challenging obstacle. It carries a connotation of high praise. Their triumph over adversity inspired many people. The team celebrated their triumph at the championship.

Examples of usage

Winning the championship was a great achievement for the team.
His novel was considered an achievement in modern literature.
Graduating with honors was a significant achievement for her.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Setting specific and measurable goals can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving them.
The concept of self-efficacy, introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura, suggests that believing in your ability to succeed is key to achieving your goals.
Positive reinforcement, such as celebrating small victories, can boost motivation and encourage further achievement.

Education

Research shows that a growth mindset, believing skills can be developed through effort and learning, enhances achievement in students.
Goal-setting techniques are often taught in schools to help students learn to structure their paths to achievement effectively.
Collaborative projects in educational settings have been found to foster a greater sense of achievement through teamwork.

Pop Culture

In numerous motivational speeches and literature, achieving one's dreams is a common theme, resonating especially with audiences looking for inspiration.
Many movies illustrate the journey to achievement featuring characters overcoming obstacles, emphasizing perseverance and determination.
Social media campaigns often celebrate achievements, both big and small, cultivating a culture of motivation and support among users.

History

Throughout history, individuals like Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein are celebrated for their remarkable achievements, demonstrating the power of perseverance.
The space race between the USA and the USSR in the mid-20th century showcased monumental achievements in science and technology.
The Olympic Games highlight international achievements in athletics, celebrating personal bests and world records.

Origin of 'achieve'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Middle English 'acheven,' meaning to reach or attain, which has roots in the Old French 'achever.'
It originally signified completing a task, hinting at a lifelong focus on fulfillment through effort.
By the late 14th century, its meaning expanded from just finishing tasks to reaching personal goals.

The word 'achieve' originated from the Old French word 'achever', meaning 'to complete'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the sense of 'to complete, accomplish'. Over time, 'achieve' has come to represent the act of successfully reaching a desired goal or result through effort or skill. The word is commonly used in various contexts, emphasizing the accomplishment of objectives, both personal and professional.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,891, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1888 recognition
1889 describe
1890 evident
1891 achieve
1892 joined
1893 requirement
1894 suppose
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