Obtaining
əbˈteɪnɪŋ
Definitions
To get, acquire, or procure something, often through effort or action.
əbˈteɪn
To get or acquire something.
The detective is working hard at obtaining evidence.
💡 Simply: Imagine you really want a new toy. Obtaining is like finally getting your hands on it after saving up your money or asking your parents. You worked for it, and now it's yours!
👶 For kids: To get or find something you want.
More Examples
She managed to obtain a visa for her trip to Europe.
How can I obtain a copy of my medical records?
The company is obtaining a patent for its new technology.
How It's Used
"The company is obtaining new funding from investors."
"The lawyer is attempting to obtain a warrant."
"Scientists are obtaining samples for analysis."
Idioms & expressions
obtain a ruling
To receive a decision or judgement, usually from a court or legal authority.
"The lawyer tried to obtain a ruling from the judge regarding the admissibility of the evidence."
obtain consent
To get permission or agreement from someone or something.
"Before the experiment, the researchers had to obtain consent from the participants."
From Middle English *obteinen*, from Old French *obtenir* (“to obtain”), from Latin *obtineō* (“to hold, possess, obtain”), from *ob-* (“in front of, toward”) + *teneō* (“to hold”).
The word 'obtain' and its variations have been used in English literature since the Middle Ages, often related to acquiring or gaining possession.
Memory tip
Think of OBTAINing something as trying to get a hold of it, like a trophy or a goal.