Acquire
/əˈkwaɪər/
verbIntermediateVery CommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
To gain possession of something through an act of taking or purchasing.
/əˈkwaɪər/
verbneutralIntermediate
General
Gain possession of.
The company acquired several new clients last quarter.
More Examples
2
He acquired a degree in computer science from MIT.
How It's Used
General
"She acquired a taste for exotic cuisines during her travels."
Late 15th century (in the sense 'to gain, obtain'): from Old French aquerre, from Latin acquirere 'get, buy', from ad- 'to' + quaerere 'to seek, obtain'.
First recorded in the late 15th century.
Memory tip
Imagine acquiring a new toy or book that you've always wanted.
Practice
Base: acquire
akquireacqureaquire
Usage
85%Spoken
90%Written