browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
more about attaining
attaining |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Attain \At*tain"\ ([a^]t*t[=a]n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Attained} (-t[=a]nd"); p. pr & vb n. {Attaining}.] [Of. atteinen atteignen atainen OF ateindre ataindre F. atteindre fr L. attingere ad + tangere to touch, reach. See {Tangent}, and cf {Attinge}, {Attaint}.] 1. To achieve or accomplish, that is to reach by efforts; to gain; to compass; as to attain rest. Is he wise who hopes to attain the end without the means? --Abp. Tillotson 2. To gain or obtain possession of to acquire. [Obs. with a material object.] --Chaucer. 3. To get at the knowledge of to ascertain. [Obs.] Not well attaining his meaning. --Fuller. 4. To reach or come to by progression or motion; to arrive at ``Canaan he now attains.'' --Milton. 5. To overtake. [Obs.] --Bacon. 6. To reach in excellence or degree; to equal. Syn: To {Attain}, {Obtain}, {Procure}. Usage: Attain always implies an effort toward an object. Hence it is not synonymous with obtain and procure, which do not necessarily imply such effort or motion. We procure or obtain a thing by purchase or loan, and we obtain by inheritance, but we do not attain it by such means
more about attaining
This work is licensed under a
