what is the difference between obtain and attain？
obtain，attain，acquire，gain all of them have the same meaning“获得”
But what is there to differ between them ?

Question

what is the difference between obtain and attain？
obtain，attain，acquire，gain   all of them  have the same meaning“获得”
But what is there to differ between them ?

Answer

Obtain means
1.Come into possession of
  "How did you obtain the visa?"
2.Receive a specified treatment (abstract)
3.Be valid, applicable, or true

While attain means 
1.To gain with effort
2.Reach a point in time, or a certain state or level
3.Find unexpectedly
4.Reach a destination, either real or abstract

cowboy...

Answer

The main difference is that some mean to get actual things, and others mean to achieve something or reach a goal.  To obtain or acquire means to get or buy a physical object (car, house, shoes, MP3 player, etc.).  To attain or gain means to get something that is not physical (power, influence, a job, a title, someone's love, etc.).

Answer

Reading the rest of your question, I see some that have not yet been answered. 

Obtain and acquire are synonyms. 
Attain and gain are sometimes synonyms. 

Cowboy gives a very good distinction between obtain and attain. 

Sometimes gain is used in a manner that differs from the others. It can also mean to obtain something additional. For instance, when we get heavier, we say "I've gained weight."

Answer

http://engl403.wetpaint.com/page/Attain/Obtain