Reading Theme:
Acquisition Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：the act of obtaining something through purchase (acquisition)
acquisition
/ˌæk.wɪˈzɪʃ.ən/
n.
Getting something valuable, especially by buying or through formal processes, like a company buying another company.
the act of obtaining something through purchase
➕
/ði ækt əv əbˈteɪnɪŋ ˈsʌmθɪŋ θruː ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
n.
Refers to the formal process of gaining ownership or control over a valuable asset, most commonly a company, through a business transaction like a purchase.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'acquisitio', from 'acquirere' (to acquire, to get), combining 'ad-' (to) + 'quaerere' (to seek, to obtain).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'quiz' in the middle of the word. You must 'acquire' (get) the knowledge to pass the quiz. Acqui-SITION is the act of getting it.
📖 Example
The tech giant announced the acquisition of a promising AI startup, which excited its investors.
The tech giant announced the act of purchasing a promising AI startup, which excited its investors.
🔗 Collocations
company acquisition – The purchase of one company by another.
make an acquisition – To successfully purchase or obtain something, especially a company.
acquisition strategy – A business plan focused on buying other companies to grow.
🔄 Synonyms
purchase (n.) – The act of buying something.
takeover (n.) – An act of assuming control of a company, often by buying a majority of its shares.
procurement (n.) – The action of obtaining something, especially for an organization, often through a formal process.
🚫 Antonyms
divestiture (n.) – The action of selling off subsidiary business interests or investments.
sale (n.) – The exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something.
🌱 Derivatives
acquire (v.) – To buy or obtain (an asset or object) for oneself.
📖 Cultural Story
The word originates from Latin legal and financial contexts, relating to obtaining property or rights. In modern English, it's a core term in business and finance, dominating headlines about mergers & acquisitions (M&A), where companies spend billions to acquire competitors or new technologies.
Meaning 2：the process of gaining something through learning (acquisition)
acquisition
/ˌæk.wɪˈzɪʃ.ən/
n.
The act or process of getting something, which could be a physical object or abstract like a skill or knowledge.
the process of gaining something through learning
➕
/ðə ˈprɑːses əv ˈɡeɪnɪŋ ˈsʌmθɪŋ θruː ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/
n.
Refers to the process of learning and developing a new skill, piece of knowledge, or habit through study, experience, or teaching.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her acquisition of Spanish was remarkably fast; she could hold conversations within six months.
Her process of learning Spanish was remarkably fast; she could hold conversations within six months.
🔗 Collocations
language acquisition – The natural process of learning a language.
skill acquisition – The process of learning and becoming proficient in a new ability.
knowledge acquisition – The process of absorbing and retaining new information.
🔄 Synonyms
attainment (n.) – The action or fact of achieving a goal, especially through effort.
learning (n.) – The acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught.
mastery (n.) – Comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment.
🚫 Antonyms
loss (n.) – The fact or process of losing something or someone.
forgetting (n.) – The failure to remember something.
🌱 Derivatives
acquisitive (adj.) – Excessively interested in acquiring money or material things.
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