Obtain-Attain | Commonly Confused Words

Obtain

/əbˈteɪn/

To get or gain something

This particularly obtains in all Parliamentary affairs.They had obtained a clue.Butler would obtain no sign from him.

/əˈteɪn/

To achieve or reach a goal after effort

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.

Think of obtain as getting something physical or tangible, like an object or resource. It’s about possession.
Attain is more about reaching a goal or achieving something abstract, like a personal achievement or a milestone.
Remember: obtain is often used when something is obtained by someone, while attain usually means reaching a new level or status.
Both words involve effort, but obtain is generally more about acquisition, while attain focuses on achievement or progress.
Visualize obtain with handling something concrete, whereas attain is reaching upwards towards growth or improvement.