Definition of attain

The word "attain" has its roots in Old French "atenir", which is derived from the Latin "adtenere", meaning "to hold to" or "to reach". This Latin phrase is a combination of "ad", meaning "to" or "toward", and "tenere", meaning "to hold". In Middle English, the word "attain" emerged, initially meaning "to hold or possess" or "to get hold of". Over time, its meaning expanded to include "to reach or achieve" something, especially through effort or striving. Today, "attain" is commonly used to describe the process of accomplishing or attaining a goal, skill, or position. Throughout its evolution, the word "attain" has maintained its core sense of "reaching" or "obtaining", often implying a sense of effort, hard work, or dedication required to achieve something.