Obtain
əbˈteɪn
Definitions
To come into possession of; to acquire or get.
əbˈteɪn
To get or acquire something.
You can obtain a visa by visiting the embassy.
💡 Simply: Obtain means to get something, like when you finally *get* that video game you've been wanting or *get* your parents' permission for something.
👶 For kids: To get something you want or need!
More Examples
She was able to obtain a scholarship to study abroad.
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How It's Used
"The company is trying to obtain a patent for its new invention."
"Researchers must obtain ethical approval before conducting their study."
"I need to obtain a new driver's license."
Idioms & expressions
obtain a result
To achieve a specific outcome or consequence.
"They worked hard to obtain a positive result in the experiment."
obtain access
To gain the right or ability to enter or use something.
"To obtain access to the database, you need a password."
From Latin *obtineō* ('I hold, possess, obtain'), from *ob-* ('in front of, toward') + *teneō* ('I hold').
Historically used to describe acquiring something through effort or legal means, found in literature from the 15th century onwards.
Memory tip
Think of 'ob' as 'over' and 'tain' as 'gain.' You are gaining something *over* what you had before.
Word Origin
"to hold"