attain/obtain

attain 可译为“达到”“实现”“完成”，含有极强的抱负和渴望之意，有时则含有经过巨大努力才得以实现的意思，常见的搭配有：attain the end (goal)（达到目的），attain one's hope (object)（实现希望/达到目标）。obtain 可译为“获得”“取得”“找到”，不含有难以达到的意思，常见的搭配有：obtain a prize(获得奖金)，obtain a loan(获得一笔贷款)，obtain knowledge（获得知识）obtain an experience(获得经历)。请对比下列实例：

1. ... the qualities which enabled him to attain his ambitions... (EED)

……使他得以实现雄心壮志的品质……

2. They were unable to attain their objectives. (Hazen)

他们未能达到他们的目的。

3. Howard had failed to obtain a scholarship. (Priestley)

霍华德未能得到奖学金。