Attain vs. Obtain — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 27, 2023
Attain refers to achieving or reaching a goal or level, while Obtain means to acquire or secure something, usually a tangible item.
Difference Between Attain and Obtain
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Attain typically emphasizes the journey or effort taken to reach a certain level, goal, or state of being. It often implies a process or a progression towards something. On the other hand, Obtain emphasizes the act of getting or acquiring something, often a physical item or piece of information.
While Attain is often about accomplishment through effort, Obtain focuses on the act of possession. For instance, one might Attain mastery after years of practice, while they Obtain a certificate to prove their expertise. In essence, Attain underscores achievement and realization, whereas Obtain highlights procurement and possession.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Achieving or reaching
Acquiring or securing
Usage Context
Goals, levels, intangible achievements
Items, tangible things, information
Grammatical Role
Typically a verb
Typically a verb
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples
Attain success, attain enlightenment
Obtain a book, obtain permission
Nature
Process or effort-centric
Act of possession or procurement-centric
Compare with Definitions
Attain
To reach a specific point or level.
The mountain climber aimed to Attain the summit by noon.
Obtain
To gain possession of.
She went to the store to Obtain fresh produce.
Attain
To come into possession of.
He Attained knowledge through years of study.
Obtain
To come into possession through effort.
He worked diligently to Obtain his degree.
Attain
To achieve through effort.
She worked hard to Attain her professional goals.
Obtain
To be prevalent or in existence.
Peace does not easily Obtain in such volatile regions.
Attain
To arrive at a specific stage or condition.
The athlete Attained peak physical condition after months of training.
Obtain
To be valid or applicable.
Different rules Obtain for outsiders.
Attain
To gain as an objective; achieve
Attain a diploma by hard work.
Obtain
To secure or achieve, especially after effort.
To Obtain a permit, one must fill out the necessary paperwork.
Attain
To come to or arrive at, as through movement, growth, or the passage of time
Redwoods can attain a height of 300 feet.
Obtain
To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Attain
To succeed in a directed effort, process, or progression
Attained to high office.
Eventually attained to wisdom.
Obtain
To be in existence, in effect, or customary
"standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield).
Attain
(transitive) To gain (an object or desired result).
To attain such a high level of proficiency requires hours of practice each day.
Obtain
(Archaic) To succeed.
Attain
(transitive) To reach or come to, by progression or motion; to arrive at (a place, time, state, etc.).
Obtain
(transitive) To get hold of; to gain possession of, to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Attain
(intransitive) To come or arrive, by motion, growth, bodily exertion, or efforts toward a place, object, state, etc.
Obtain
To secure (that) a specific objective or state of affairs be reached.
Attain
To get at the knowledge of.
Obtain
To prevail, be victorious; to succeed.
Attain
To reach in excellence or degree.
Obtain
To hold; to keep, possess or occupy.
Attain
To reach a person after being behind them.
Obtain
To exist or be the case; to hold true, be in force.
Attain
To achieve or accomplish, that is, to reach by efforts; to gain; to compass; as, to attain rest.
Is he wise who hopes to attain the end without the means?
Obtain
To hold; to keep; to possess.
His mother, then, is mortal, but his SireHe who obtains the monarchy of heaven.
Attain
To gain or obtain possession of; to acquire.
Obtain
To get hold of by effort; to gain possession of; to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Some pray for riches; riches they obtain.
By guileful fair words peace may be obtained.
It may be that I may obtain children by her.
Attain
To get at the knowledge of; to ascertain.
Not well attaining his meaning.
Obtain
To gain or have a firm footing; to be recognized or established; to become prevalent or general; to prevail; as, the custom obtains of going to the seashore in summer.
Sobriety hath by use obtained to signify temperance in drinking.
The Theodosian code, several hundred years after Justinian's time, did obtain in the western parts of Europe.
Attain
To reach or come to, by progression or motion; to arrive at.
Obtain
To prevail; to succeed.
So run that ye may obtain.
There is due from the judge to the advocate, some commendation, where causes are fair pleaded; especially towards the side which obtaineth not.
Attain
To overtake.
Obtain
Come into possession of;
How did you obtain the visa?
Attain
To reach in excellence or degree; to equal.
Obtain
Receive a specified treatment (abstract);
These aspects of civilization do not find expression or receive an interpretation
His movie received a good review
I got nothing but trouble for my good intentions
Attain
To come or arrive, by motion, growth, bodily exertion, or efforts toward a place, object, state, etc.; to reach.
If by any means they might attain to Phenice.
Nor nearer might the dogs attain.
To see your trees attain to the dignity of timber.
Few boroughs had as yet attained to power such as this.
Obtain
Be valid, applicable, or true;
This theory still holds
Attain
To come or arrive, by an effort of mind.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I can not attain unto it.
Attain
Attainment.
Attain
To gain with effort;
She achieved her goal despite setbacks
Attain
Reach a point in time, or a certain state or level;
The thermometer hit 100 degrees
This car can reach a speed of 140 miles per hour
Attain
Find unexpectedly;
The archeologists chanced upon an old tomb
She struck a goldmine
The hikers finally struck the main path to the lake
Attain
Reach a destination, either real or abstract;
We hit Detroit by noon
The water reached the doorstep
We barely made it to the finish line
I have to hit the MAC machine before the weekend starts
Attain
To accomplish or realize something.
With dedication, he was able to Attain mastery in his craft.
Common Curiosities
How does Obtain relate to existence or prevalence?
In some contexts, Obtain means to be prevalent or in existence, e.g., "Such conditions Obtain in the desert."
Is Obtain mainly about physical items?
While Obtain often refers to acquiring tangible items, it can also refer to intangible things like information or permission.
Is the effort always implied with Attain?
Often, yes. Attain usually implies a journey or effort towards achievement.
What does Attain commonly imply?
Attain typically suggests achievement through effort or process.
Can one Attain a physical object?
While it's more common to Obtain objects, one might "Attain" them in the context of a long-sought goal, e.g., Attaining a rare artifact.
Can you Obtain knowledge?
Yes, you can Obtain knowledge, often through study or experience.
How do Attain and Obtain differ in terms of goals?
One might Attain a goal (achievement-focused) but Obtain a reward or result (acquisition-focused).
Can you Attain mastery?
Yes, mastery can be Attained through dedicated effort and practice.
Which word focuses more on the process?
Attain focuses more on the process or effort towards a goal.
Can you Obtain a skill?
While you might Obtain knowledge related to a skill, you typically Attain proficiency in the skill itself.
What might you Obtain from a store?
You might Obtain goods, products, or items from a store.
Is Obtain related to securing permissions?
Yes, one can Obtain permissions, licenses, or approvals.
Does Attain imply progression?
Yes, Attain often implies progression or movement towards a specific point or level.
Is Attain more abstract than Obtain?
Generally, yes. Attain often refers to abstract achievements, while Obtain is more about concrete acquisitions.
Are Attain and Obtain interchangeable?
No, they have nuanced differences and are used in distinct contexts.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Preface vs. Prologue
Next Comparison
Indigo vs. VioletAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
