Attainment

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

• Date: 14th century

Definitions

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

• 1 : to come or arrive by motion, growth, or effort —usually used with to