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

Derived Forms

• obˈtainment, noun
• obˌtainaˈbility, noun
• obˈtainable, adjective
• obˈtainer, noun

Other Words From

• ob·taina·ble adjective
• ob·taina·bili·ty noun
• ob·tainer noun
• ob·tainment noun
• preob·tain verb (used with object)
• preob·taina·ble adjective
• reob·tain verb (used with object)
• reob·taina·ble adjective
• unob·taina·ble adjective
• unob·tained 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.

Example Sentences

Because same-sex marriage is not legal in China, she advises couples on other ways to obtain spousal rights such as inheritance and guardianship for medical procedures.

From Los Angeles Times

Republicans need only two wins to achieve a majority in Congress — and obtain the elusive trifecta of being in charge of the House, Senate and the presidency.

From Los Angeles Times

And so it has become a foundational American principle that the children of immigrants obtain automatic citizenship.

From Slate

Cryptocurrency advocates are spending millions in political donations to obtain huge gaps in crypto regulations.

From Los Angeles Times

Assisted dying, where someone who is terminally ill seeks medical help to obtain lethal drugs which they administer themselves, is currently banned in the UK.

From BBC

Related Words

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