'attain' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'ataindre' (later 'atteindre'), where the Latin prefix 'ad-' (appearing as a-) meant 'to' and the root 'tangere' meant 'to touch'.

'attain' changed from Old French 'ataindre' (from Latin 'attingere') and eventually became the modern English word 'attain' through Middle English borrowings.

Initially, it meant 'to touch or reach', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to reach or achieve (a goal, level, or condition)'.