Obtain – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “obtain” is a verb used to express acquiring or gaining possession of something. It implies achieving or securing an item, information, status, or result through some means. The base form of the verb is “to obtain,” with other grammatical forms including “obtained” (past tense) and “obtaining” (present participle).
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing core synonyms for “obtain,” along with brief definitions, example sentences, and their style/register.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquire | Often implies effort or action to obtain | “She acquired a rare book from an antique shop.” | Formal, Business |
| Secure | Suggests ensuring possession with some assurance | “He secured funding for his project before the deadline.” | Formal/Professional |
| Get | Informal, versatile; general and common | “I need to get a new phone soon.” | Casual, Colloquial |
| Procure | Implies obtaining through deliberate means | “The chef procured fresh truffles for the dish.” | Formal, sometimes Literary |
| Receive | Often used when something is given by someone else | “She received a package from her friend.” | Neutral/Informal |
Usage Notes
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Acquire: This term suits formal contexts where effort or process is involved. It’s ideal in business writing and academic settings, often when describing tangible assets or skills.
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Example: In academic papers, one might say, “The researcher acquired significant data through extensive surveys.”
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Secure: Best used when emphasizing the successful attainment of something important, especially under conditions that require assurance or protection.
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Example: In professional communications, “Our team secured a major client” highlights success and confidence.
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Get: This is versatile and widely understood in everyday language. It’s suitable for casual conversations but might be too informal for academic or formal documents.
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Example: Conversations often include, “Can you get me a pen?”
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Procure: A synonym that indicates effort and purpose. It’s more literary and is best used when discussing items obtained through special means or services.
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Example: In creative writing, one might say, “The merchant procured exotic spices from distant lands.”
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Receive: Frequently used in contexts where something is given by another party, emphasizing the passive action of obtaining.
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Example: Casual emails might state, “Please confirm receipt of this message when you receive it.”
Common Pitfalls
A common pitfall with synonyms of “obtain” is using them interchangeably without considering context. For example:
- Using “receive” in place of “secure” can change the meaning from active acquisition to passive receipt.
- Opting for “get” instead of “acquire” might make a formal document sound too casual.
Additionally, it’s essential to recognize that some terms may imply different methods or levels of effort. For example, “procure” often involves more deliberate action than simply “getting” something.
Final Recap
In summary, the verb “obtain” has several synonyms, each with unique nuances:
- Acquire: Emphasizes process and effort.
- Secure: Highlights successful attainment with assurance.
- Get: Casual and versatile for everyday use.
- Procure: Suggests deliberate action to obtain something specific.
- Receive: Focuses on passive reception from another party.
To master the usage of these synonyms, it’s beneficial to practice incorporating them into various contexts—such as business writing, academic papers, or casual conversations. Writing your own sentences with each term will help clarify their differences and enhance your vocabulary skills.