What is the difference between attain and obtain?

Definitions

attain

- Describing the achievement of a goal or reaching a desired outcome.

- Referring to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, or qualifications.

- Talking about the attainment of a certain level of success or recognition.

obtain

- Referring to the acquisition or possession of something.

- Describing the availability or accessibility of something.

- Talking about the ability to get or receive something.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both involve acquiring or getting something.
• 2. Both can refer to achieving a goal or desired outcome.
• 3. Both can be used to describe the possession or availability of something.
• 4. Both are verbs that indicate obtaining or achieving something.
• 5. Both can be used in formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Attain is often used when referring to personal achievements or goals, while obtain is more commonly used when talking about acquiring or receiving something external.
• 2. Focus: Attain emphasizes the effort and action taken to achieve something, while obtain focuses more on the result or outcome of acquiring something.
• 3. Formality: Obtain is generally considered more formal than attain, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• 4. Connotation: Attain can imply a sense of personal accomplishment or success, while obtain is more neutral and does not carry the same connotation of personal achievement.
• 5. Context: Attain is often used in relation to personal growth, education, or career progression, while obtain can be used in a broader range of contexts, such as obtaining information, documents, or objects.

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Remember this!

Attain and obtain are synonyms that both refer to acquiring or achieving something. However, there are some differences in their usage and connotations. Attain is often used when talking about personal achievements or goals, emphasizing the effort and action taken to reach a desired outcome. On the other hand, obtain is more commonly used when referring to acquiring or receiving something external, focusing on the result or outcome of obtaining something.