obtain — to get, acquire, or secure something
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to get, acquire, or secure something
Pronunciation (IPA): /əbˈteɪn/
Example Sentences
- He obtained his driver's license after failing the test three times.
- The spy obtained top-secret documents by disguising as a pizza delivery man.
- You can obtain free Wi-Fi password by buying any drink.
obtain
VERB[/əbˈteɪn/]
to get, acquire, or secure something
Getting what you worked for
OBstacle — TAIN(t) nothing — obtain what is rightfully yours. (OB + TAIN = OBTAIN → The clean way through the OBstacle = obtain legitimately)
Obtain and sustain — only what remains is truly yours.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'obtenir', derived from Latin 'obtinere', which combines 'ob-' (toward, against) and 'tenere' (to hold, keep). The word entered English in the 13th century through Norman French influence.
Breakdown
ob- (toward, against) + tenere (to hold) = obtinere (to hold toward/gain) → obtain (to acquire or secure)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“He obtained his driver's license after failing the test three times.”
“The spy obtained top-secret documents by disguising as a pizza delivery man.”
“You can obtain free Wi-Fi password by buying any drink.”
“My cat somehow obtained the ability to open doors, and now nowhere is safe.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.