v.
Pronunciation: ə - ' ch ē v
Function: verb
Inflected Form: achieved ; achiev · ing
Etymology: Middle English acheven, from Anglo-French achever to finish, from a- (fr. Latin ad- ) + chef end, head ― more at CHIEF
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 : to carry out successfully : ACCOMPLISH < achieve a gradual increase in production>
2 : to get or attain as the result of exertion : REACH < achieved a high degree of skill> < achieved greatness>
intransitive verb : to attain a desired end or aim : become successful
synonyms see PERFORM
– achiev · able \ - ' ch ē -v ə -b ə l \ adjective
– achiev · er noun