[Editors] attained or obtained?

[Marilyn C Wilson]

Okay editors, do any of you know if there is there a proper distinction, archaic or otherwise, between "attain" and "obtain" as in:

"the degree attained" and "the degree obtained"   ?

They are both out there in abundance, and seem to be used interchangeably, sometimes in the same sentence or paragraph.  "Degree" seems to work with both, but "certificate" for instance only sounds right with obtained.

Thanks, and may you all attain a great weekend --
Marilyn



Marilyn C. Wilson, PhD
Sr. Career Development Specialist, Career Services
MIT Global Education and Career Development
617-258-9149
mcwilson at mit.edu<mailto:mcwilson at mit.edu>

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