Dictionary entries for 'attain'

Synonyms

accomplish
achieve
gain
reach
realize
arrive at
come to
gain
get to

at·tain (ə-tāń)

[Middle English atteignen, from Old French ataindre, ataign-, to reach to, from Vulgar Latin* attangere, from Latin attingere, ad-, ad-, + tangere, to touch.]

verb: -tained, -tain·ing, -tains.

transitive verb

To gain as an objective; achieve: attain a diploma by hard work.
To arrive at, as by virtue of persistence or the passage of time. See synonyms at reach

intransitive verb

To succeed in a directed effort, process, or progression: attained to high office; eventually attained to wisdom.

derivatives

at·taińa·biĺi·ty: noun
at·taińa·ble: adjective

verb: -tained, -tain·ing, -tains.

transitive verb

intransitive verb

derivatives

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition