Acquire

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Table of contents

1.1 Etymology
1.2 Pronunciation
1.3 Transitive Verb

English

Etymology

Latin acquirere, acquisitum; ad + quarere to seek for. In Old English was a verb aqueren, from the same, through Old French aquerre. See quest.

Pronunciation

IPA: WEAE /ʌ.kwaɪ.ɚ/

Transitive Verb

acquire, acquired, acquiring

To gain, usually by one's own exertions; to get as one's own; as, to acquire a title, riches, knowledge, skill, good or bad habits.
No virtue is acquired in an instant, but step by step. - Barrow?
Descent is the title whereby a man, on the death of his ancestor, acquires his estate, by right of representation, as his heir at law. - William Blackstone

Synonyms

To obtain; gain; attain; procure; win; earn; secure. See Obtain.

WordNet Definitions

seven

1. get, acquire -- (come into the possession of something concrete or abstract; "She got a lot of paintings from her uncle"; "They acquired a new pet"; "Get your results the next day"; "Get permission to take a few days off from work").
2. assume, acquire, adopt, take on, take -- (take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect; "His voice took on a sad tone"; "The story took a new turn"; "he adopted an air of superiority"; "She assumed strange manners"; "The gods assume human or animal form in these fables").
3. grow, develop, produce, get, acquire -- (come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes); "He grew a beard"; "The patient developed abdominal pains"; "I got funny spots all over my body"; "Well-developed breasts").
4. acquire -- (locate (a moving entity) by means of a tracking system such as radar).
5. acquire, win, gain -- (win something through one's efforts; "I acquired a passing knowledge of Chinese"; "Gain an understanding of international finance").
6. learn, larn, acquire -- (acquire or gain knowledge or skills; "She learned dancing from her sister"; "I learned Sanskrit"; "Children acquire language at an amazing rate").
7. develop, acquire, evolve -- (gain through experience; "I acquired a strong aversion to television"; "Children must develop a sense of right and wrong"; "Dave developed leadership qualities in his new position"; "develop a passion for painting").

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