obtain

[uhb-teyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to come into possession of; get, acquire, or procure, as through an effort or by a request.

   to obtain permission;

   to obtain a better income.

   Synonyms: attain, win, earn, achieve, gain
   Antonyms: forgo, lose

2. Obsolete.,  to attain or reach.

verb (used without object)

1. to be prevalent, customary, or in vogue; prevail.

   the morals that obtained in Rome.

2. Archaic.,  to succeed.

obtain

/ əbˈteɪn /

verb

1. (tr) to gain possession of; acquire; get

2. (intr) to be customary, valid, or accepted

   a new law obtains in this case

3. archaic,  (tr) to arrive at

4. archaic,  (intr) to win a victory; succeed

Other Word Forms

• obtainable adjective
• obtainability noun
• obtainer noun
• obtainment noun
• preobtain verb (used with object)
• preobtainable adjective
• reobtain verb (used with object)
• reobtainable adjective
• unobtainable adjective
• unobtained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obtain¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English obteinen, from Middle French obtenir, from Latin obtinēre “to take hold of,” equivalent to ob- ob- ( def. ) + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre “to hold”

Word History and Origins

Origin of obtain¹

C15: via Old French from Latin obtinēre to take hold of, from ob- (intensive) + tenēre to hold

Synonym Study

See get.

Related Words

• access 
• achieve 
• attain 
• collect 
• earn 
• gain 
• gather 
• glean 
• have 
• pick up 
• procure 
• purchase 
• reach 
• realize 
• reap 
• receive 
• recover 
• retrieve 
• secure 
• seize