Master confusing words with ease
Attain vs. Obtain
Attain
/əˈteɪn/Examples:
He was too simple to wonder when he had attained humility.It does not always attain to light.What you're committed to doing to attain it.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Obtain
/əbˈteɪn/Examples:
This particularly obtains in all Parliamentary affairs.They had obtained a clue.Butler would obtain no sign from him.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Remember, obtain often involves getting something tangible through effort or request, like a certificate or permission.
- Attain often means reaching a level of achievement or getting something less tangible, like a goal or level of understanding.
- Obtain can usually be substituted with get in sentences, but attain is more about achieving or reaching something significant.
- If you aim for something obtainable, you can hold it in your hands; if you strive for something attainable, it’s often more conceptual and personal.
- When picturing attain, think of the uphill journey towards success, obtain is about collecting or acquiring items.
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