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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Acquire: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：to obtain something (acquire)

acquire 🔊

/əˈkwaɪər/

vt.

to get or gain something, like buying something, learning a skill, or being given something.

Illustration of a person acquiring a new smartphone, showing the meaning of 'to obtain'.

to obtain something 🔊

➕

/tuː əbˈteɪn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

vt.

To come into possession of an object or item, often through purchase, receipt, or effort.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'acquirere' (ad- 'to' + quaerere 'seek'), meaning 'to seek to obtain'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'A Cute Quire' – imagine getting a cute notebook (quire) to acquire new things.

📖 Example

After saving his pocket money for six months, Tom finally acquired the limited-edition video game he had always wanted. 🔊 Tom saved his money for half a year and finally obtained the special video game he desired.

🔗 Collocations

acquire property – to obtain ownership of land or buildings

acquire knowledge – to gain information or understanding

acquire a taste – to develop a liking for something

🔄 Synonyms

obtain (vt.) – to get or secure something

gain (vt.) – to acquire or earn something

procure (vt.) – to obtain something with care or effort

🚫 Antonyms

lose (vt.) – to cease to have or possess something

relinquish (vt.) – to voluntarily give up or surrender something

🌱 Derivatives

acquisition (n.) – the act of acquiring or something acquired

acquirer (n.) – a person or entity that acquires something

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'acquire' derives from Latin 'acquirere', via Old French 'acquerre'. It entered English in the 15th century and is frequently used in business and legal contexts, such as in mergers and acquisitions.

Meaning 2：to learn a skill (acquire)

acquire 🔊

/əˈkwaɪər/

vt.

to learn and master a skill or knowledge through practice and study, so it becomes a natural part of you.

Visual guide showing a person acquiring guitar skills through practice and study.

to learn a skill 🔊

➕

/tuː lɜːrn ə skɪl/

vt.

To develop and master an ability or knowledge through practice and study.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

It takes time and practice to acquire a new language, just like learning to ride a bicycle. 🔊 Learning a new language requires time and practice to acquire, similar to riding a bicycle.

🔗 Collocations

acquire fluency – to gain the ability to speak a language smoothly

acquire expertise – to develop specialized knowledge or skill

acquire habits – to develop regular practices or behaviors

🔄 Synonyms

learn (vt.) – to gain knowledge or skill through study

master (vt.) – to acquire complete knowledge or skill in something

attain (vt.) – to achieve or reach a skill level through effort

🚫 Antonyms

unlearn (vt.) – to discard or forget previously acquired knowledge

forget (vt.) – to lose the memory or ability of something learned