Attain Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
attain
[ษหteษชn ]
Definitions
achievement
To succeed in achieving something after a lot of effort or hard work. To reach a particular level, age, or condition.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| attain |
Use when something is reached after considerable effort, often linked with long-term goals or milestones.
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| achieve |
Commonly used when referring to reaching a significant goal or completing something impressive.
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| accomplish |
Best used when referring to completing tasks or objectives, especially ones that require skill and effort.
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| reach |
Appropriate for describing the act of arriving at a specific point or goal, whether physically or metaphorically.
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Examples of usage
- She finally attained her goal of becoming a doctor.
- He attained a high level of success in his career.
level
To reach a certain level, point, or status.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| attain |
Best used in formal contexts, particularly when discussing achieving goals or reaching a certain level of success or development through effort.
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| reach |
Used to describe arriving at a particular stage, point, or condition, usually implying movement towards a goal or destination.
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| achieve |
Commonly used to describe the successful completion of an objective or goal, often implying significant effort or skill.
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| gain |
Often refers to acquiring something positive such as knowledge, weight, or resources. It may not always imply effort.
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Examples of usage
- He attained a level of proficiency in Spanish.
- The company attained a new milestone in sales.
formal
The action of achieving a goal or reaching a destination.
Synonyms
accomplishment, achievement, realization.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| attain |
Use when someone reaches a goal or a certain level after considerable effort. Often used with abstract or long-term goals like success or happiness.
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| achievement |
Used for notable deeds or successes, often implying admiration and respect. It is typically used to describe something that has a positive impact or is recognized by others.
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| accomplishment |
Refers to the completion of a task or goal, often highlighting the effort and skill involved. It can be used for both small and large tasks.
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| realization |
Used to describe the moment when a person understands something clearly, or when a plan or dream becomes a reality.
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Examples of usage
- His attainment of the award was a great honor.
- Education is the key to attaining success.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Setting achievable goals is crucial for motivation and self-esteem, as it provides a sense of direction.
- Research suggests that people who focus on attaining specific goals experience greater satisfaction and fulfillment.
- The concept of 'self-determination theory' suggests that the desire to attain personal goals is a fundamental human motivation.
Education
- In academic settings, students are often encouraged to attain higher levels of knowledge through structured learning.
- Attainment in education is often measured through grades, indicating how well a student understands the material.
- Teachers use formative assessments to help students track their progress toward attaining learning objectives.
Pop Culture
- Many motivational speeches and self-help books emphasize the importance of perseverance in attaining one's dreams.
- Films often depict characters embarking on journeys to attain personal goals, highlighting the struggles and triumphs along the way.
- Popular songs frequently celebrate the theme of attainment, encouraging listeners to achieve their aspirations.
Origin of 'attain'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'attinere', meaning 'to hold to' or 'to belong to'.
- It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, evolving from the Old French 'atteindre'.
- Initially, it conveyed the sense of reaching a physical place, later expanding to include achieving goals.
The word 'attain' originated from the Old French word 'ateindre', which means 'to reach, attain, or accomplish'. It entered the English language in the early 14th century. Over time, 'attain' has retained its core meaning of achieving or reaching a goal through effort or hard work. The word has been used in various contexts to describe accomplishments, achievements, and reaching specific levels or statuses. 'Attain' is a versatile word that symbolizes the satisfaction of achieving something desired.
See also: attainability, attainable, attaining, attainment, unattainability, unattainable, unattainably, unattained.