attain
/əˈteɪn/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: attains · attaining · attained
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To come to or reach (a place) by motion or progression.
Verb
Examples
Canaan he novv attains, I ſee his Tents / Pitcht about Sechem, and the neighbouring Plaine / Of Moreh; […]
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To arrive at (a certain age or time, condition or state, etc.); to reach.
Verb
Examples
Night hangs vpon mine eyes, my Bones vvould reſt, / That have but labour'd, to attaine this houre.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “attain” mean?
To come to or reach (a place) by motion or progression.
Is “attain” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.