The word “attain” is commonly used in the English language, but what does it really mean? In this article, we’ll explore the definition and meaning of the word “attain”, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “attain” means to “reach, achieve, or accomplish something through effort”. In simpler terms, it means to succeed in something after working hard for it.
Origin
The word “attain” comes from the Old French word “ataindre”, which means “to reach, to come to”. It was first used in the English language in the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “attain” as “to gain or achieve something by effort”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to reach or succeed in getting something”. In all dictionaries, the word “attain” is associated with achieving something through hard work.
Associations
The word “attain” is often associated with success, achievement, and accomplishment. It implies that something has been worked for and earned, rather than simply given.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “attain” include achieve, accomplish, reach, acquire, and gain. These words all imply the same sense of hard work and effort leading to success.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “attain” include fail, lose, and miss. These words imply the opposite of success and imply that something has not been achieved.
The same root words
The word “attain” comes from the Old French word “ataindre”, which is also the root of the word “attainment”. Both words imply the sense of achieving something through hard work and effort.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using the word “attain”:
- I worked hard to attain my degree.
- It took years of practice to attain my level of skill.
- She was determined to attain her goal, no matter what.
- The company’s goal was to attain a 10% increase in profits.
- He finally attained the position he had been working towards for years.