Attain vs. Acquire — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
Attain refers to achieving through effort, often in skill or knowledge, while acquire means to gain possession, typically of an object or asset.
Difference Between Attain and Acquire
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Attain typically involves a process of development or effort leading to the achievement of a non-material goal, such as skill, knowledge, or a personal milestone. Whereas, acquire focuses on the act of gaining possession or ownership of something tangible or intangible, often without the connotation of personal development involved.
Attainment is often used in the context of personal growth or educational achievements, highlighting the internal development and effort. On the other hand, acquisition is frequently used in business and commerce, implying a transaction or exchange process.
Attain usually suggests a long-term goal that requires persistence and dedication, such as attaining proficiency in a language or a degree. Conversely, acquire can be a quicker process, such as acquiring a new piece of art or a company.
Attaining something can be a transformative process, suggesting an improvement or enhancement in personal ability or status. Whereas acquiring something often does not imply a change in personal abilities or characteristics.
Attain is often associated with intangible achievements that are earned rather than bought, such as wisdom or freedom. In contrast, acquire generally involves obtaining physical items or rights, where money or trade can be a direct method.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Achievement through effort
Gaining possession
Typical Usage
Personal development, education
Business, transactions
Time Frame
Long-term, gradual
Can be immediate or short-term
Nature of Outcome
Often intangible
Tangible or intangible
Implication
Personal growth, transformation
Ownership, possession
Compare with Definitions
Attain
Reach a level of skill through effort.
He attained proficiency in Spanish after years of study.
Acquire
Obtain ownership of an item.
He acquired a rare coin for his collection.
Attain
Realize an abstract or challenging objective.
They strive to attain perfection in their performances.
Acquire
Gain a new skill or asset.
She acquired fluency in French during her stay in Paris.
Attain
Come to possess knowledge.
After years of research, he attained a deep understanding of the subject.
Acquire
Come into possession of a company.
The firm was excited to acquire a smaller competitor.
Attain
Achieve a personal milestone.
She finally attained her goal of running a marathon.
Acquire
Purchase or procure something.
They acquired the land for development.
Attain
Achieve through persistent effort.
She attained a high level of respect among her peers.
Acquire
Take on a new property or quality.
The product acquired a reputation for reliability.
Attain
To gain as an objective; achieve
Attain a diploma by hard work.
Acquire
Acquire is a multi-player mergers and acquisitions themed board game. It is played with tiles representing hotels that are arranged on the board, play money and stock certificates.
Attain
To come to or arrive at, as through movement, growth, or the passage of time
Redwoods can attain a height of 300 feet.
Acquire
To gain possession of
Acquire 100 shares of stock.
Attain
To succeed in a directed effort, process, or progression
Attained to high office.
Eventually attained to wisdom.
Acquire
To get by one's own efforts
Acquire proficiency in math.
Attain
(transitive) To gain (an object or desired result).
To attain such a high level of proficiency requires hours of practice each day.
Acquire
To gain through experience; come by
Acquired a growing dislike of television sitcoms.
Attain
(transitive) To reach or come to, by progression or motion; to arrive at (a place, time, state, etc.).
Acquire
To locate (a target) with an aiming device or a tracking system, such as radar.
Attain
(intransitive) To come or arrive, by motion, growth, bodily exertion, or efforts toward a place, object, state, etc.
Acquire
(transitive) To get.
Attain
To get at the knowledge of.
Acquire
(transitive) To gain, usually by one's own exertions; to get as one's own
He acquired a title.
All the riches he acquired were from hard work.
One should acquire as much knowledge as possible from reading.
To acquire a skill
To acquire decent habits and manners
Attain
To reach in excellence or degree.
Acquire
(medicine) To contract.
Attain
To reach a person after being behind them.
Acquire
(computing) To sample signals and convert them into digital values.
Attain
To achieve or accomplish, that is, to reach by efforts; to gain; to compass; as, to attain rest.
Is he wise who hopes to attain the end without the means?
Acquire
To gain, usually by one's own exertions; to get as one's own; as, to acquire a title, riches, knowledge, skill, good or bad habits.
No virtue is acquired in an instant, but step by step.
Descent is the title whereby a man, on the death of his ancestor, acquires his estate, by right of representation, as his heir at law.
Attain
To gain or obtain possession of; to acquire.
Acquire
Come into the possession of something concrete or abstract;
She got a lot of paintings from her uncle
They acquired a new pet
Get your results the next day
Get permission to take a few days off from work
Attain
To get at the knowledge of; to ascertain.
Not well attaining his meaning.
Acquire
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect;
His voice took on a sad tone
The story took a new turn
He adopted an air of superiority
She assumed strange manners
The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
Attain
To reach or come to, by progression or motion; to arrive at.
Acquire
Come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes);
He grew a beard
The patient developed abdominal pains
I got funny spots all over my body
Well-developed breasts
Attain
To overtake.
Acquire
Locate (a moving entity) by means of a tracking system such as radar
Attain
To reach in excellence or degree; to equal.
Acquire
Win something through one's efforts;
I acquired a passing knowledge of Chinese
Gain an understanding of international finance
Attain
To come or arrive, by motion, growth, bodily exertion, or efforts toward a place, object, state, etc.; to reach.
If by any means they might attain to Phenice.
Nor nearer might the dogs attain.
To see your trees attain to the dignity of timber.
Few boroughs had as yet attained to power such as this.
Acquire
Acquire or gain knowledge or skills;
She learned dancing from her sister
I learned Sanskrit
Children acquire language at an amazing rate
Attain
To come or arrive, by an effort of mind.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I can not attain unto it.
Acquire
Gain through experience;
I acquired a strong aversion to television
Children must develop a sense of right and wrong
Dave developed leadership qualities in his new position
Develop a passion for painting
Attain
Attainment.
Attain
To gain with effort;
She achieved her goal despite setbacks
Attain
Reach a point in time, or a certain state or level;
The thermometer hit 100 degrees
This car can reach a speed of 140 miles per hour
Attain
Find unexpectedly;
The archeologists chanced upon an old tomb
She struck a goldmine
The hikers finally struck the main path to the lake
Attain
Reach a destination, either real or abstract;
We hit Detroit by noon
The water reached the doorstep
We barely made it to the finish line
I have to hit the MAC machine before the weekend starts
Common Curiosities
What types of things can be acquired?
Both tangible items like properties and intangible assets like skills or patents can be acquired.
What does it mean to attain success?
Attaining success means achieving goals through persistent effort and personal development.
How does one typically acquire a business?
One typically acquires a business through purchase, merger, or takeover.
What is essential to attain wisdom?
To attain wisdom, one must have extensive experience and deep reflection.
Can attain and acquire be used interchangeably?
No, attain and acquire cannot be used interchangeably as they imply different processes and outcomes.
Can one acquire happiness?
Happiness is generally attained through life experiences rather than acquired as a possession.
Is it possible to attain happiness?
Yes, it is possible to attain happiness through personal fulfillment and life satisfaction.
What is the difference between acquiring knowledge and attaining wisdom?
Acquiring knowledge involves gathering information, whereas attaining wisdom involves deeper understanding and insight.
What does it mean to acquire rights?
Acquiring rights means obtaining legal entitlements or permissions, often through purchase or agreement.
What are common goals people strive to attain?
Common goals include educational degrees, professional success, and personal achievements.
What does it mean to attain a degree?
To attain a degree means to complete the academic requirements and earn the qualification.
How can a company acquire another company?
A company can acquire another through a purchase, stock exchange, or merger agreement.
Is attaining always a slow process?
Typically, attaining is a gradual process as it often involves personal development.
Can acquire imply obtaining something for free?
Acquire generally implies a transaction, but it can occasionally mean obtaining something for free, such as inheriting.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
