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attain

/əˈteɪn/verb

To succeed in reaching or achieving a goal or desired result.

Example sentences

  • “She attained her dream of becoming a pilot at thirty.”
  • “Few climbers attain the summit of Everest without bottled oxygen.”

Formal; pairs with goals, levels, and status. You attain a rank or a qualification, but you just reach a bus stop.

Synonyms for attain

  • achieve
  • reach
  • accomplish
  • realize
  • gain

Often confused with attain

attain vs obtain
obtain (verb): To get or acquire something, by whatever means.

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

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