Attain is to achieve or reach a goal through effort or skill. Obtain is to acquire or come into possession of something, typically through external means or sources.
The words attain and obtain are both verbs in the English language, and while they are often used interchangeably, they carry distinct nuances that differentiate them in certain contexts. Understanding these differences is important for effective communication.
What does the word attain mean?
Attain means to achieve, gain, or reach a specific goal, level, or state through effort, skill, or persistence. It implies a sense of personal accomplishment or the fulfillment of an objective.
Example sentence
- If someone works diligently to earn a promotion at their job, they can be said to have attained the new position.
What does the word obtain mean?
Obtain means to acquire or come into possession of something, typically through external means or sources. It doesn't necessarily connote personal effort or accomplishment but rather the act of gaining access or possession.
Example sentence
- If you obtain a copy of a rare book, it means you have acquired it, possibly through purchase, borrowing, or some other means.
Common idioms/phrases
While attain and obtain are not commonly used in idioms, their meanings are often captured in idiomatic expressions and phrases. Here are some idioms and phrases that convey similar concepts:
- Reach for the stars: This idiom encourages aiming high and setting ambitious goals, which aligns with the idea of attaining something challenging.
- Get hold of: This phrase means to obtain or acquire something, similar to the meaning of "obtain." For example, "I need to get hold of a copy of that book."
- Climb the ladder: It refers to advancing or progressing in one's career or social standing, which can be related to the concept of attaining success or higher positions.
- Catch up to: This phrase implies trying to reach or attain a level equal to someone else, often in a competitive sense. For instance, "She's been working hard to catch up to her colleagues' level of expertise."
In summary, "attain" emphasizes the process of achieving or reaching a goal, often through personal effort, while "obtain" focuses on the act of acquiring or gaining possession of something, regardless of the source. Recognizing these distinctions can enhance clarity in communication and enable you to choose the right word for the intended context.
Practice Questions
- She worked hard to attain/obtain her degree in computer science.
- With dedication and practice, he was able to attain/obtain his dream of becoming a professional musician.
- In order to attain/obtain a driver's license, you must pass a written and practical test.
- The team's goal was to attain/obtain the championship trophy, and they succeeded after a challenging season.
- It can be challenging to attain/obtain accurate information in a world filled with misinformation.
- She hopes to attain/obtain a scholarship to help cover her tuition expenses.
- To attain/obtain a passport, you'll need to provide proof of citizenship and identification.
- The company was able to attain/obtain the necessary permits to start construction on the new building.
- It took years of hard work to attain/obtain his position as the CEO of the company.
- The detective needed to attain/obtain a search warrant to enter the suspect's property.
Answer
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