Main Entry:

at·tain

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈtān\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English atteynen, from Anglo-French ateign-, stem of ateindre to reach, accomplish, convict, from Vulgar Latin *attangere, alteration of Latin attingere, from ad- + tangere to touch — more at tangent

Date:

14th century

transitive verb 1 : to reach as an end : gain, achieve <attain a goal> 2 : to come into possession of : obtain <he attained preferment over his fellows> 3 : to come to as the end of a progression or course of movement <they attained the top of the hill> <attain a ripe old age> intransitive verb : to come or arrive by motion, growth, or effort —usually used with to

— at·tain·abil·i·ty \-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— at·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adjective