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obtain

/əbˈteɪn/
verb★Intermediate
formal

To get, acquire, or come into possession of something, often through effort or formal means

She managed to obtain a visa for her trip to Europe.

The company obtained the necessary permits to start construction.

💡

Often used in formal or legal contexts to imply a deliberate or official acquisition.

Collocations

obtain informationto gather or acquire informationobtain permissionto get official approvalobtain a degreeto earn or receive a degree

Synonyms

Antonyms

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Usage

Use 'obtain' in formal contexts (e.g., legal, academic, or professional settings). For casual speech, consider synonyms like 'get' or 'acquire.'

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'obteinen,' from Old French 'obtenir,' from Latin 'obtinere,' meaning 'to hold, keep, or gain.'

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal or legal contexts, implying a deliberate or official acquisition. Can be used in both transitive and intransitive constructions.

Word Breakdown

ob-
toward, against
prefix
+
-tain
to hold, keep
root
English Dictionary

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