You will come across various words that sound similar but have different meanings, or sound identical but have different spellings with different meanings. For example, aunty or auntie, niece vs. niece, attain vs obtain have been confusing people for a while now.
Both terms suggest getting something, but they are used in different contexts and connotations. Attain means reaching or achieving a goal, whereas obtain means gaining possession of something through a transaction.
Attain vs Obtain: The Difference
Most of the time, writers confuse attain vs obtain and use it incorrectly. Both words can be used as intransitive and transitive verbs. Even though both words share a similar meaning, their use is different.
The etymology of the words is different. Attain is derived from “tangere,” a Latin word that means to touch, whereas obtain is derived from a Latin word, “tenēre,” meaning to hold.
So, it can be said that both words dont share the same meaning, and cannot be used interchangeably, like absence or absence.
“Attain” is specifically used as one achieves a goal, whereas “oibtain” is used when someone has acquired something. It could be a physical item or a notional characteristic.
For instance, you can attain a specific goal, like a sufficient result in your examination, but you will not obtain a qualification. Here, qualification refers to a non-physical attribute that you achieve, as well as a physical certificate.
When To Use The Word Attain?
Use the word attain to achieve something or reach a goal that needs development or effort over time. This term is perfect for accomplishments, milestones, and skill levels, but nothing physical. Attain is associated with something intangible or abstract.
Attain is mostly associated with achieving mastery or personal growth. Here are some examples of using attain in a sentence.
- After five years of practice, she could attain a high level of proficiency in French.
- The team worked together to attain their goals and finally won the championship.
- She always wanted to attain enlightenment through self-discipline and meditation.
- Jen attained her goal of graduating from art school this year and could not be happier.
- I hope to attain good scores in my final exam.
- If you want to attain your goal, you have to be disciplined and stay motivated.
- The main goal of Buddhism is to attain enlightenment.
- He must give up on his hobbies if he wants to attain his goal.
- To make the team efficient, you must identify the gaps to attain your target.
- The investigators are trying hard to investigate the case and attain justice.
When To Use The Word Obtain?
The word “obtain” is used to describe the acquisition of something concrete or tangible, like an object or a certificate. It is used in context when these are achieved through a purchase, request or discovery without emphasising personal growth or effort.
“Obtain” does not imply how much effort you have put into something. Here are some sample sentences using “obtain.”
- We will be able to get inside if Jo obtains the key.
- There is the possibility of obtaining immunity from the prosecution.
- He used deceptive methods to obtain the money.
- She looked through an online auction to obtain those rare books.
- The scientists obtained some interesting results from their recent experiment.
- We have to obtain the permits before we start renovating the house.
- He mailed the institutes to obtain his graduation certificates.
- Where did you obtain the information from?
- An adequate amount of insurance coverage seems difficult to obtain.
- What do we have to do to obtain a gun license?
Attain vs Obtain: How To Pronounce The Words?
Both are used as verbs when looking at attain vs obtain from the point of view of parts of speech. But how do you pronounce the words?
Attain pronunciation: It is pronounced as “əˈteɪn” and you stress the second syllable.
Obtain pronunciation: This one is pronounced as “əbˈteɪn” and you stress on the second syllable here as well.
Synonyms of Attain
Here are some of the commonly used synonyms of “attain” mentioned.
- Achieve
- Gain
- Secure
- Get
- Acquire
- Score
- Make
- Garner
- Capture
- Procure
- Accomplish
- Accumulate
- Knock down
- Bag
- Recapture
- Remake
- Reattain
- Annex
- Clear
- Take over
Synonyms of Obtain
Here are some of the commonly used synonyms of obtain mentioned.
- Earn
- Win
- Gain
- Reap
- Procure
- Capture
- Carry
- Access
- Achieve
- Gather
- Have
- Glean
- Purchase
- Reach
- Secure
- Retrieve
- Recover
- Receive
- Seize
- Take
Frequently Asked Questions
When discussing attain vs obtain, these are some common questions people mostly discuss.
In this context, it is safe to say that you “obtained” a job. Obtain means to acquire or gain something, which is what this refers to when someone hires you for a job.
Well, in this context, it should also be “obtained.” You work hard to attain your goal, but you obtain the degree.
Obtain is often considered a synonym of attain in some contexts, but both words are generally used in different contexts.
Remember the Context
If you are confused about attain vs obtain, remember that attain is used for something you have or achieved that is not tangible. Whereas obtain is used when referring to something that you have and that is tangible.
Attain refers to achieving with personal achievement and a strong association. On the other hand, obtaining revolves around gaining possession through an arrangement. Keep this in mind, and you will find it easy to remember where to use which word.
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