'attain' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'ateindre,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'teindre' meant 'to touch or reach.'

'ateindre' transformed into the Middle English word 'atteinen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'attain'.

Initially, it meant 'to reach or touch something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to achieve or accomplish something.'