at|tain

at|tain «uh TAYN», transitive verb.

1. to arrive at; reach (a state or condition) by living, growing, or developing: »

Grandfather has attained the age of 80.

2. to gain by effort; accomplish; win: »

The early American patriots attained freedom.

SYNONYM(S): achieve, acquire, secure, obtain.

3. to reach (a place); arrive at; gain: »

By scrambling we attained the top of a hill.

–v.i.

1. to succeed in coming (to) or getting: »

He attained to a position of great influence.

2. to reach by living, growing, or developing: »

Sequoia trees attain to a great height.

╂[< Old French ataindre < Vulgar Latin attangere < Latin attingere < ad- to + tangere touch]

–at|tain´er, noun.