Difference Wiki

Attain vs. Obtain: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 24, 2023
Attain is about achieving a goal or level; obtain is about acquiring or getting something.

Key Differences

Attain often suggests a journey or effort toward achieving a particular goal, while obtain implies getting possession of something, usually through effort or request.
Huma Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
One might attain enlightenment through meditation, whereas one would obtain a book from a library.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Attain can be used in contexts where there's a sense of accomplishment or reaching a certain status, while obtain is more straightforward, often focusing on the act of getting or procuring.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
Degrees, milestones, or personal growth are typically "attained," whereas objects, permissions, or tangible items are usually "obtained."
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023
While you attain a new skill by practicing and learning, you obtain a new gadget by buying or receiving it.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Basic Definition

Achieve a goal or level
Acquire or get something
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Part of Speech

Verb
Verb
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Example Usage

Attain mastery
Obtain permission
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Associated Actions

Reach, achieve
Get, procure
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Synonyms

Accomplish, reach
Acquire, procure
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Attain and Obtain Definitions

Attain

Reach or achieve.
He worked hard to attain his goals.
Huma Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Obtain

Get or acquire.
She managed to obtain the rare book.
Huma Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Attain

Succeed in achieving.
Through dedication, she attained excellence in her field.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Obtain

Be prevalent, customary, or established.
The same rules obtain for everyone.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023

Attain

Arrive at (a place).
After hours of hiking, they attained the summit.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Obtain

Secure (something) as a result of effort.
Through hard work, he obtained the promotion.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Attain

Reach (a particular age, size, or amount).
The tree can attain a height of 20 feet.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023

Obtain

Succeed in gaining.
She obtained a grant for her research.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023

Attain

Accomplish or realize (a goal).
They hope to attain peace through dialogue.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023

Obtain

Bring something into one's possession.
He obtained the documents through legal means.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Attain

To gain as an objective; achieve
Attain a diploma by hard work.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 09, 2019

Obtain

To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 09, 2019

FAQs

Is attain only about achieving goals?

Primarily, but it can also refer to reaching a place, age, or size.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Can one attain a book?

Not typically. One would more likely "obtain" a book.
Huma Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Can you obtain mastery?

While you can "attain" mastery through effort, it's less common to say "obtain" mastery.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023

Is it correct to say "obtain a milestone"?

No, milestones are typically "attained."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Is obtain about physical possession?

Often, but it can also refer to gaining rights, permissions, or conditions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Can you attain permission?

It's more typical to "obtain" permission.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023

Can you obtain knowledge?

While less common, it can be used to mean acquiring knowledge from a source.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Is obtain more transactional?

Often, as it implies getting or securing something.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023

What's the antonym of obtain?

Lose or fail to get.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Can one obtain a height or level?

No, one would "attain" a height or level.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023

Can obtain be used in the sense of prevailing conditions?

Yes, as in "the same rules obtain for everyone."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Can a person attain objects?

Not typically. Objects are usually obtained.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023

Can you attain knowledge?

Yes, through learning and experience.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023

Can something be both attained and obtained?

In some contexts, yes, like achieving and getting a degree.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023

Is attain always about a long journey or process?

Often, but not always. It can simply mean to reach or achieve.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Can one obtain age or size?

No, one would "attain" a certain age or size.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023

Is attain more about personal achievement?

Generally, yes. It often implies effort and accomplishment.
Harlon Moss
Oct 24, 2023

Which word indicates more effort: attain or obtain?

Typically, "attain" implies more effort in reaching a goal or status.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Which word is more about possession?

Obtain.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023

Is there any overlap in the usage of attain and obtain?

Occasionally, especially when discussing achievements like degrees.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 24, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons