acquire
word
/əˈkwaɪɝ/
uh-KWY-ur
/ɐkwˈaɪə/
uh-KWY-uh
Definition
To get or gain something, especially through effort, learning, or purchase.
Usage & Nuances
More formal than 'get'; often used for skills, knowledge, or property ('acquire skills', 'acquire knowledge', 'acquire a company'). Not for physical picking up (use 'pick up' informally). Common in business, education, and legal contexts.
Spanish: adquirir - obtenerPortuguese (BR): adquirir - obterPortuguese (PT): adquirir - obterChinese (Simplified): 获得 - 取得Chinese (Traditional): 獲得 - 取得Hindi: प्राप्त करना - अर्जित करनाArabic: يكتسب - يحصل علىBengali: অর্জন করা - অর্জিত করা - সংগ্রহ করাRussian: приобретать - получать - овладеватьJapanese: 習得する - 得る - 獲得するVietnamese: đạt được - giành được - mua đượcKorean: 획득하다 - 얻다 - 습득하다Turkish: edinmek - elde etmekUrdu: حاصل کرنا - حاصل ہونا - سیکھناIndonesian: memperoleh - mendapatkan - mengakuisisi
Example Sentences
Companies often acquire smaller businesses.
basic
It took years for her to acquire that level of skill.
natural
She managed to acquire valuable painting through an auction.
natural
Children acquire language quickly.
basic
He hopes to acquire a new car this year.
basic
Where did you acquire that taste for spicy food?
natural