Cool MateAttain vs Obtain
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Attain
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Obtain
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Obtain
| Attain | Obtain | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈteɪn/","/əˈteɪnz/","/əˈteɪnd/","/əˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈteɪn/","/əˈteɪnz/","/əˈteɪnd/","/əˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //əbˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //əbˈteɪn// |
| Meaning | To achieve or reach something. | To get or receive something. |
| Example | Most of our students attained five ‘A’ grades in their exams. | You need to obtain permission from the manager first. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | attain success, attain a goal, attain knowledge, attain a level, attain proficiency | obtain a degree, obtain funding, obtain information, obtain results, obtain consent |
| Antonyms | lose, fail, miss | lose, forfeit, surrender |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'obtain' — 'attain' implies reaching a goal., Using 'attain' without specifying what is being attained., Incorrect verb form, e.g., using 'attained' when the context requires the base form. | Confusing 'obtain' with 'get', which is less formal., Using 'obtain' incorrectly with intransitive forms., Incorrectly conjugating the verb in different tenses. |
| Usage notes | Use 'attain' when talking about achieving goals or reaching a certain level. It sounds more formal than 'reach.' Not common in casual conversations. | Used in formal and neutral contexts. Common in academic and professional language. Not typically used in casual conversation. |
Frequently asked questions: Attain vs Obtain
What's the difference between Attain and Obtain?
Attain: To achieve or reach something. Obtain: To get or receive something.
Which is more common: Attain and Obtain?
Obtain is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Attain and Obtain?
Attain is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Attain and Obtain the same CEFR level?
Attain: C1, Obtain: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Attain and Obtain?
Attain: verb, Obtain: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Attain: Most of our students attained five ‘A’ grades in their exams. Obtain: You need to obtain permission from the manager first.
Can I use Attain and Obtain interchangeably?
Not always. Attain and Obtain are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.