attain

present singular third person attains · participle present attaining · participle past attained · past attained · first person past singular attained · archaic present second person singular attainest · past second person singular attained · archaic past second person singular attainedst · present singular third person attains · archaic present singular third person attaineth · past singular third person attained · past plural attained · past subjunctive attained · participle present attaining · participle past attained

1. transitiveTo come to or reach (a place) by motion or progression.

   Now had they almost attained / The palace portal.

   1805, Robert Southey, “Canto I”, in Madoc, London: […] [F]or Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, and A[rchibald] Constable and Co, […], by James Ballantyne, […], →OCLC, part I (Madoc in Wales), page 7

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   Canaan he novv attains, I ſee his Tents / Pitcht about Sechem, and the neighbouring Plaine / Of Moreh; […]

   1667, John Milton, “Book X”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC, signature Ss2, verso, lines 1026–1028

   We have already reached a very high latitude; but it is the height of summer, and although not so warm as in England, the southern gales, which blow us speedily towards those shores which I so ardently desire to attain, breathe a degree of renovating warmth which I had not expected.

   1816 June – 1817 April/May (date written), [Mary Shelley], “Letter III”, in Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. […], volume I, London: […] [Macdonald and Son] for Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones, published 1 January 1818, →OCLC, page 19

2. figurativelytransitiveTo arrive at (a certain age or time, condition or state, etc.); to reach.

   Night hangs vpon mine eyes, my Bones vvould reſt, / That have but labour'd, to attaine this houre.

   1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene v], page 130, column 1

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   It has also been aſſerted, by ſome naturaliſts, that men do not attain their full grovvth and ſtrength till thirty; but that vvomen arrive at maturity by tvventy.

   1791 (date written), Mary Wollstonecraft, “Observations on the State of Degradation to which Woman is Reduced by Various Causes”, in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman: With Strictures on Political and Moral Subjects, London: […] J[oseph] Johnson, […], published 1792, →OCLC, page 150

   Now, it is no very easy matter for anybody—except those who are almost hourly used to it, like whalemen—to clamber up a ship's side from a boat on the open sea; […] So, deprived of one leg, and the strange ship of course being altogether unsupplied with the kindly invention, Ahab now found himself abjectly reduced to a clumsy landsman again; hopelessly eyeing the uncertain changeful height he could hardly hope to attain.

   1851 November 14, Herman Melville, “Leg and Arm. The Pequod, of Nantucket, Meets the Samuel Enderby, of London.”, in Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, 1st American edition, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers; London: Richard Bentley, →OCLC, page 486

3. figurativelytransitiveTo gain (a desired result or other objective) through effort; to accomplish, to achieve.

   To attain such a high level of proficiency requires hours of practice each day.

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   Roſse [William de Ros, 6th Baron Ros]. Your preſence makes Vs rich, moſt noble Lord. / VVil. [William Willoughby, 5th Baron Willoughby de Eresby]. And far ſurmounts our labour to attaine it.

   1595 December 9 (first known performance), [William Shakespeare], The Tragedie of King Richard the Second. […] (First Quarto), London: […] Valentine Simmes for Androw Wise, […], published 1597, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iii], signature E2, recto

   […] Reaſon is not as Senſe, and Memory, borne vvith us; nor gotten by Experience onely, as Prudence is; but attayned by Induſtry; […]

   1651, Thomas Hobbes, “Of Reason, and Science”, in Leviathan, or The Matter, Forme, & Power of a Common-wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civill, London: […] [William Wilson] for Andrew Crooke, […], →OCLC, 1st part (Of Man), page 21

   Suppoſe a man; a Miniſter, or a Tradeſman, &c. ſhould have an advantage lie before him, to get the good bleſſings of this life; yet ſo, as that he can by no means come by them, except in appearance, at leaſt, he becomes extraordinarily zealous in ſome points of Religion, that he medled not vvith before, may he not uſe theſe means to attain his end, and yet be a right honeſt man?

   1680, John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World, to That which is to Come: […], 5th edition, Edinburgh: […] Iohn Cairns, […], →OCLC, page 102

   O might VVe thro' Thy Grace attain / The Faith Thou never vvilt reprove, […]

   1742, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, “Unto the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans, [Revelation II] ver[se] 14, &c. Part II.”, in Hymns and Sacred Poems, Bristol: […] Felix Farley, […], →OCLC, part II, stanza 8, page 299

   While Genius trudges a-foot, and by many a thorny, circuitous route, ascends the hill of fame, thou bowlest along in thy chariot, and attainest the same sunny eminence with scarce an effort.

   1835, [William Frederick Deacon], “A Second Matrimonial Catastrophe—the Progress of Quackery—a Fit of the Horrors”, in The Exile of Erin; or, The Sorrows of a Bashful Irishman. […], volume II, London: Whittaker and Co., […], →OCLC, 3rd book (The Village Doctor), page 34

   Synonyms: arrive at, get, reach, accomplish, acquire, catch, earn, fulfill

4. archaicfigurativelytransitiveTo gain possession of (something tangible or intangible) through effort; to acquire, to obtain.

   [T]hey reported their aduiſe to the kyng exortyng hym to prouyde for his force and ſtrength of men of warre⸝ to atteyne therby the towne of Berwike […]

   1523 February 7 (Gregorian calendar), Johan Froyssart [i.e., Jean Froissart], “Howe Kyng Edwarde [III] of Ingland Toke the Towne of Berwyke ageynst the Scottis”, in Here Begynneth the First Volum of Sir Johan Froyssart: Of the Cronycles of Englande⸝ Fraunce⸝ Spayne⸝ Portyngale⸝ Scotlande⸝ Bretayne⸝ Flañders: And Other Places Adioynynge. […], 1st volume, London: […] Richarde Pynson⸝ […], →OCLC; reprinted as The First Volum of Sir Johan Froyssart of the Chronycles of Englande⸝ Fraunce⸝ Spayne (The English Experience […]; no. 257), Amsterdam: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum; New York, N.Y.: Da Capo Press, 1970, →ISBN, folio xv, verso, column 2

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   [K]ing Edwarde [IV] returned, and wͭ much leſſe nũber thẽ [number then [than]] he had, at Barnet on theſtre daye felde [the Easter Day field], ſlewe the Erle of warwik [Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick] wͭ many other great eſtates of yͤ partie, ⁊ ſo ſtably attained the crowne againe, that he peaſſybly enioyed it vntil his dieng day: […]

   c. 1513 (date written), Thomas More, “The History of King Richard the Thirde (Vnfinished) […]”, in Wyllyam Rastell [i.e., William Rastell], editor, The Workes of Sir Thomas More Knyght, […], London: […] Iohn Cawod, Iohn Waly, and Richarde Tottell, published 30 April 1557, →OCLC, page 60

   Yet notvvithſtanding, as Thoſe that firſt bring Honour into their Family, are commonly more vvorthy, then moſt that ſucceed: So the firſt Preſident (if it be good) is ſeldome attained by Imitation.

   1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Innovations”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret, →OCLC, page 139

   Though I cannot prove hovv, or vvhere thou attainedſt thoſe glorious Arms, that Achillean Shield, and that ſtrong Steed, yet I vvill make it good on thy Carrion Corſe, that thou cameſt Felloniouſly by them; […]

   1656, [Samuel Holland], chapter IV, in Wit and Fancy in a Maze. Or The Incomparable Champion of Love and Beautie. A Mock-romance. […], London: […] T. W. for Tho[mas] Vere, […], →OCLC, pages 171–172

   Synonyms: achieve, acquire, collect, earn, find, gain, gather, get

5. obsoletetransitiveTo reach (someone) after being behind them.

   The Earle finding the Caſtle freed, and the Enemie retired, purſued vvith all celeritie into Scotland, hoping to haue ouer-taken the Scottiſh King, and to haue giuen him Battaile. But not attaining him in time, ſate dovvne before the Caſtle of Aton […] vvhich in a ſmall time hee tooke.

   1622, Francis, Lord Verulam, Viscount St. Alban [i.e. Francis Bacon], The Historie of the Raigne of King Henry the Seventh, […], London: […] W[illiam] Stansby for Matthew Lownes, and William Barret, →OCLC, page 174

   Synonyms: catch up with, overtake

6. figurativelyobsoletetransitiveTo find out (information, knowledge, etc.); to ascertain, to get at.

   I cannot attain the exact date of the death of John Overall, carrying Superintendency in his Surname, the Biſhop of Norvvich; […]

   1655, Thomas Fuller, “Section V. To Master Peter Moroloys, and Master Thomas Rowse, of London, Merchants.”, in The Church-history of Britain; […], London: […] Iohn Williams […], →OCLC, book X, page 86

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   [I]t pleaſeth God to diſcouer certayne things to his ſeruantes after this maner at the fyrſte ſpringing vp of the Goſpell: of whiche thyng we may now atteyne manifeſt knowledge by his worde.

   1574, Augustine Marlorate [i.e., Augustin Marlorat], “[Revelation 1:1]”, in Arthur Golding, transl., A Catholike Exposition vpon the Reuelation of Sainct Iohn. […], London: […] H[enry] Binneman, for L[ucas] Harison, and G[eorge] Bishop, →OCLC, folio 3, recto

   And yet Maſter [William] Camden, ſometimes acknovvledgeth, ſometimes denieth him for an Engliſh Earle. Not that I accuſe him as inconſtant to himſelf, but ſuſpect my ſelf not vvell attaining his meaning therein.

   1655, Thomas Fuller, “Thomæ Hanson, Amico meo”, in The Church-history of Britain; […], London: […] Iohn Williams […], →OCLC, book III, page 65

   Synonyms: catch, check, come upon, detect, determine, discover, disinter, find

7. Often followed by to.
   1. archaicintransitiveTo come to or reach a place by motion or progression; to reach.

      For, scarce a spear's length from his haunch, / Vindictive toiled the blood-hounds staunch; / Nor nearer might the dogs attain, / Nor farther might the quarry strain.

      1810, Walter Scott, “Canto I. The Chase.”, in The Lady of the Lake; […], Edinburgh: […] [James Ballantyne and Co.] for John Ballantyne and Co.; London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, and William Miller, →OCLC, stanza VII, page 10

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      Then ſayde the children of Joſeph: We ſhal not be able to attayne vnto the mountayne, for there are yron charettes [chariots] amonge all the Cananites, that dwell in the londe of Emek, by whom lyeth Beth Sean and the vyllages therof, and Jeſreal in Emek.

      1535 October 14 (Gregorian calendar), Myles Coverdale, transl., Biblia: The Byble, […] (Coverdale Bible), [Cologne or Marburg]: [Eucharius Cervicornus and Johannes Soter?], →OCLC, Josua xvij:[16], folio ix, recto, column 2

      And becauſe the hauen was not commodious to winter in, the more part aduiſed to depart thence alſo, if by any meanes they might attaine to Phenice, and there to winter: which is an hauen of Creete, and lieth toward the Southweſt, and Northweſt.

      1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Acts 27:12, signature [O5], recto, column 1

   2. figurativelyintransitiveTo arrive at a certain condition or state, etc.

      You may not, perhaps, live to see your trees attain to the dignity of timber—I, nevertheless, approve of your planting, and the disinterested spirit that prompts you to it.

      1782 November 11 (date written), William Cowper, “To Joseph Hill, Esq.”, in Private Correspondence of William Cowper, Esq. with Several of His Most Intimate Friends. […], volume I, London: […] [S[amuel] and R[ichard] Bentley] for Henry Colburn, […], and Simpkin and Marshall, […], published 1824, →OCLC, page 222

   3. figurativelyintransitiveTo gain possession of something tangible or intangible through effort.

      Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I can not attaine vnto it.

      1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Psalm 139:6, signature Hhh3, recto, column 1

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      Such knowlege is to wonderfull ⁊ excellẽt [excellent] for me, I can not atteyne vnto it.

      1535 October 14 (Gregorian calendar), Myles Coverdale, transl., Biblia: The Byble, […] (Coverdale Bible), [Cologne or Marburg]: [Eucharius Cervicornus and Johannes Soter?], →OCLC, Psalm cxxxviij:[6], folio xxxvij, recto, column 1

      The glorious Prize I novv purſue, / For full Redemption vvait, / And ſoon I ſhall attain unto / My primitive Eſtate.

      1742, John Wesley, Charles Wesley, “Titus ii. 11, &c.”, in Hymns and Sacred Poems, Bristol: […] Felix Farley, […], →OCLC, part II, stanza 19, page 267

      In London, for instance, the burgesses gathered in town-mote when the bell swung out from S. Paul's to deliberate freely on their own affairs under the presidency of their aldermen. […] Few boroughs had as yet attained to power such as this, but charter after charter during Henry [I]'s reign raised the townsmen of boroughs from mere traders, wholly at the mercy of their lord, into customary tenants, who had purchased their freedom by a fixed rent, regulated their own trade, and enjoyed exemption from all but their own justice.

      1874, J[ohn] R[ichard] Green, “England under Foreign Kings, 1013–1204”, in A Short History of the English People, London: Macmillan and Co., →OCLC, section VI (The English Revival, 1071–1127), page 90

   4. intransitiveobsoleteTo come to or reach a position without moving from one place to another.

      Now then, art thou afrayd leaſt God who careth for all things without care, moueth them without touching them, and atteyneth to them without putting himſelf foorth, is not able to wéeld theſe lower things without defyling himſelf by them?

      1587, Philip of Mornay [i.e., Philippe de Mornay], “That God Gouerneth the World and All Things therein by His Prouidence”, in Philip Sidney, Arthur Golding, transl., A Woorke Concerning the Trewnesse of the Christian Religion, […], London: […] [John Charlewood and] George Robinson for Thomas Cadman, […], →OCLC, page 184

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      As for their geſture or poſition, the men lay dovvne [on couches in a triclinium] leaning on their left elbovv, their backe being advanced by ſome pillovv or ſoft ſubſtance; the ſecond lay ſo vvith his backe tovvards the firſt, that his head attained about his boſome, and the reſt in the ſame order: […]

      1646, Thomas Browne, “Of the Pictures of Easterne Nations, and the Jews at Their Feasts, Especially Our Saviour at the Passover”, in Pseudodoxia Epidemica: […], London: […] T[homas] H[arper] for Edward Dod, […], →OCLC, 5th book, page 241

   5. intransitiveobsoleteTo extend or reach from one position to another; to stretch.

      [S]onne Arthur, you ſhall giue to Perron your wife this night the Charter of her endowrie, wherein is compriſed the land of the Citie of Saintes and of Pois, attaining to the bounds of Gaſgoine.

      a. 1534 (date written), “How this Ladie Luke of Ostridge Sent for Iehannet, and Caused Her Secretly the First Night to Lie with Arthur, because that Perron was No Maide, to the Intent that Arthur should Not Perceiue It”, in Iohn Bourghcher Knight, Lord Barners [i.e., John Bourchier, 2nd Baron Berners], transl., Arthur of Little Britaine. The History of the Most Noble and Valyant Knight, Arthur of Little Britaine, […], London: […] Thomas East, published [1582], →OCLC, folio 13, verso

   6. figurativelyintransitiveobsoleteTo find out information, knowledge, etc.

      I ſtudy tyll my braynes ake to ꝑceyue [perceive] this mater but I can nat attayne to it: […]

      1530 July 28 (Gregorian calendar), Iohan Palsgraue [i.e., John Palsgrave], “The Table of Verbes”, in Lesclarcissement de la langue francoyse⸝ […], [London]: […] [Richard Pynson] fynnysshed by Iohan Haukyns, →OCLC, 3rd boke, folio cliiii, verso, column 2; reprinted Geneva: Slatkine Reprints, October 1972, →OCLC

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      He [Thomas de Littleton] compiled this Booke vvhen hee vvas Iudge, after the fourteenth yeare of the raigne of King E[dward] 4. but the certaine time vve cannot yet attaine vnto, but (as vve conceiue) it vvas not long before his death, […]

      1628, Edw[ard] Coke, “Prœmium”, in The First Part of the Institutes of the Lawes of England. […], London: […] [Adam Islip] for the Societe of Stationers, →OCLC

   7. figurativelyintransitiveobsoleteTo gain a desired result or other objective through effort.

      He [John Gregory] attained to be an exquiſite Linguiſt and general Scholar, his modeſty ſetting the greater luſtre on his learning.

      a. 1662 (date written), Thomas Fuller, “Buckingham-shire”, in The History of the Worthies of England, London: […] J[ohn] G[rismond,] W[illiam] L[eybourne] and W[illiam] G[odbid], published 1662, →OCLC, page 130

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      [H]e ſent ſtreyght his letters ⁊ his meſſengers in euery place⸝ where as he thought to recouer⸝ or attaigne to haue any company of men of warre.

      1523 February 7 (Gregorian calendar), Johan Froyssart [i.e., Jean Froissart], “Howe that Kyng Robert de Breux of Scotland Defyed Kyng Edward [I]”, in Here Begynneth the First Volum of Sir Johan Froyssart: Of the Cronycles of Englande⸝ Fraunce⸝ Spayne⸝ Portyngale⸝ Scotlande⸝ Bretayne⸝ Flañders: And Other Places Adioynynge. […], 1st volume, London: […] Richarde Pynson⸝ […], →OCLC; reprinted as The First Volum of Sir Johan Froyssart of the Chronycles of Englande⸝ Fraunce⸝ Spayne (The English Experience […]; no. 257), Amsterdam: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum; New York, N.Y.: Da Capo Press, 1970, →ISBN, folio vi, verso, column 2

   8. figurativelyintransitiveobsoleteOf a person: to live to a certain age or time.

      Heare thou yͭ haſt kepte in the earth ſo lõge [longe], this I ſaye vnto the, before thou begynneſt to appeare nomore: There ſhal none after yͤ atteyne vnto thy tyme.

      1535 October 14 (Gregorian calendar), Myles Coverdale, transl., Biblia: The Byble, […] (Coverdale Bible), [Cologne or Marburg]: [Eucharius Cervicornus and Johannes Soter?], →OCLC, IV. Essdras [2 Esdras] xj:[16–17], folio xvi, recto, column 1

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      The dayes of the yeeres of my pilgrimage are an hundred ⁊ thirtie yeres: few and euill haue the dayes of the yeeres of my life bene, and haue not attained vnto the dayes of the yeeres of the life of my fathers, in the dayes of their pilgrimage.

      1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Genesis 47:9, signature E3, verso, column 1

   9. figurativelyintransitiveobsoleteOf a thing: to befall, to happen to someone.

      As for the ſoule firſt, we ſhall nede no rehearſal of any harme that by this kinde of tribulacion maye attaine thereto: but if that by ſomme inordinate loue and affectiõ [affection] that the ſoule beare to the body, ſhe conſent to ſlide frõ [from] the faith, and thereby do her harme her ſelfe.

      1534 (date written; published 1553), Thomas More, “A Dyalogue of Comforte agaynste Tribulacyon, […]. Chapter III.”, in Wyllyam Rastell [i.e., William Rastell], editor, The Workes of Sir Thomas More Knyght, […], London: […] Iohn Cawod, Iohn Waly, and Richarde Tottell, published 30 April 1557, →OCLC, book III, page 1217, column 1

plural attains

1. Synonym of attainment.
   1. archaicAn act of arriving at or reaching; an act of obtaining by effort.

      —A gulf of years then severed the twain; / Till he heard—a painter of high attain— / She was dying on her domain.

      1925, Thomas Hardy, “The Caricature”, in Human Shows, Far Phantasies, Songs and Trifles, London: Macmillan and Co., […], →OCLC, page 141

   2. archaicThat which is obtained by effort.

      Even Crovvns and Diadems, the moſt ſplendid parts of terrene attains; are akin to that, vvhich to day is in the field, and to morrovv is cut dovvn, and vvither'd: […]

      1661, Joseph Glanvill, “An Apology for Philosophy”, in The Vanity of Dogmatizing: Or Confidence in Opinions. […], London: […] E. C[otes] for Henry Eversden […], →OCLC, pages 237–238