acquire

Pronunciation: /əˈkwaɪər/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of acquire

To gain possession, control, or mastery of something through effort, experience, or by being the recipient of it.

Origin of acquire

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: acquirere

Original meaning: to seek, to gain

How it evolved: Originally used to describe active efforts to obtain something, the meaning expanded to include passive forms of gaining possession.

Derived from the Latin word 'acquirere', meaning 'to seek or gain', the word has evolved to signify obtaining or mastering something.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember acquire

Think of 'acquire' as 'a-quest'—you embark on a quest to gain or achieve something valuable.

Synonyms for acquire

Antonyms of acquire

acquire in a Sentence

  1. After years of meticulous study, she was able to acquire a deep understanding of quantum mechanics.
  2. The museum recently acquired a rare painting by the renowned artist, further elevating its collection's prestige.
  3. Through perseverance and dedication, he acquired the skills necessary to excel in competitive chess.

acquire in Literature & Culture

The word 'acquire' is often associated with self-improvement and education in literature, such as in motivational books and speeches that emphasize the importance of gaining knowledge and skills.

Usage Notes

The word 'acquire' is often used in formal contexts, such as academic or business settings, and implies an intentional effort or process of obtaining something valuable.

Why acquire Matters for GRE & SAT

The word 'acquire' frequently appears in GRE reading comprehension and text completion questions, where its nuanced meaning can distinguish between answer choices.

Word Family

acquisition (noun)
The act of gaining possession or control of something.
acquirable (adjective)
Capable of being obtained or gained.
acquirer (noun)
A person or entity that obtains or takes possession of something.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'acquire' was first used in English in reference to gaining wealth or property, reflecting its historical ties to material possession.
  • Renowned author William Shakespeare used 'acquire' in his works, underscoring its significance in literary history.
  • obtain
  • secure
  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable

More Vocabulary Words Starting with A

  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable