Obtain Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：acquire (obtain)

obtain 🔊

/əbˈteɪn/

to get something you want or need, especially through effort or planning.

Obtain a book from library shelf illustration

acquire 🔊

➕

/əˈkwaɪər/

To gain possession of something, often through deliberate effort, planning, or action.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'obtinere', combining 'ob-' (toward) and 'tenere' (to hold).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'obtain' as 'ob' (toward) + 'tain' (hold) – stretch out and hold what you want.

📖 Example

She worked hard for months to obtain a scholarship for her university studies. 🔊 She worked hard for months to obtain a scholarship for her university studies.

🔗 Collocations

obtain permission – to get official approval

obtain information – to acquire knowledge or data

obtain results – to achieve desired outcomes

🔄 Synonyms

acquire (v.) – to gain something through effort or experience

secure (v.) – to obtain something with certainty, often after effort

attain (v.) – to achieve or reach a goal, especially after work

🚫 Antonyms

lose (v.) – to be deprived of something one had

relinquish (v.) – to give up or surrender something

forfeit (v.) – to lose or give up something as a penalty

🌱 Derivatives

obtainable (adj.) – able to be obtained

obtainment (n.) – the act of obtaining something

obtaining (n.) – the process of getting something

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'obtinere' (to hold firmly), it evolved in Middle English to mean 'to get possession of.' Commonly used in formal contexts like legal documents and academic achievements.