Reading Time: 2 minutes
Procure: Definition and Synonyms
Procure – Definition and Part of Speech
The verb “procure” means to obtain or acquire something, often through effort or special measures. It implies an active process of getting hold of something that may not be readily available.
Usage Notes:
- “Procure” is most commonly used in formal contexts.
- It can carry the connotation of effort or ingenuity involved in obtaining something.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obtain | General term for getting possession; no specific nuance. | “She managed to obtain the necessary documents before her trip.” | Formal/Casual |
| Acquire | Emphasizes gaining ownership or control over something. | “The company aims to acquire new technology to stay competitive.” | Business/Formal |
| Source | Suggests obtaining from a particular origin, often used with “from.” | “They sourced the ingredients for their restaurant from local farms.” | Informal/Formal |
| Gather | Implies collecting multiple items or elements together. | “She gathered all the information needed to complete her research.” | Informal/Neutral |
| Get | Very informal synonym, used in everyday conversation. | “He got a new bike for his birthday.” | Casual/Everyday Speech |
Usage Notes
- Obtain is versatile and can be used in both formal and casual contexts without implying any special effort.
- Acquire is suitable in business or academic settings when discussing gaining ownership, emphasizing the idea of control or possession.
- Source is often preferred in supply chain discussions where tracing the origin of goods is important. It highlights the act of obtaining from a specific place.
- Gather implies collection and is used in contexts like compiling data or assembling items.
- Get is an informal synonym, best suited for casual conversation rather than formal writing.
Common Pitfalls
- Using “get” in formal writing can sound too informal. It’s often better to use “obtain,” “acquire,” or another more specific term depending on the context.
- Confusing “source” with simply obtaining without acknowledging origin, as “source” implies tracing back to where something was obtained from.
Final Recap
The verb “procure” is synonymous with several words that carry subtle differences. Choosing between them depends largely on formality and specificity:
- Obtain is the most neutral option.
- Acquire suggests ownership and control.
- Source emphasizes origin.
- Gather implies collecting multiple items.
- Get works well in everyday speech.
Understanding these nuances allows for more precise communication. Practice using each synonym in relevant contexts, whether writing a report or engaging in conversation.