What is the difference between "attend", "join", and "take part in?" "Attend" means to be present at or to go regularly to something (an event, meeting, school or function). "Join" means to bring together, connect, become part of (families were joined by marriage, the lumber was joined together by a nail, join a club or team.) "Take part in" means to add to, assist in, contribute to, contribute towards, enter, join in, make a contribution to, partake in, participate in, share in. Example: While you attended classes at college, you joined a soccer team and also volunteered to take part in a program to teach English to younger students.