'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', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to achieve or accomplish'.