1
Core action
Gain, obtain, or come into possession of something, often through effort, purchase, or experience.
Example
The museum acquired the manuscript in 1987.
acquire
/əˈkwaɪə/ · uh-KWYREverb
Gain, obtain, or come into possession of something, often through effort, purchase, or experience.
Use acquire to express this relationship precisely: gain, obtain, or come into possession of something, often through effort, purchase, or experience.
What acquire Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Children acquire language through sustained exposure.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The mineral acquires a blue tint when heated.
Use acquire Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The museum acquired the manuscript in 1987.
Children acquire language through sustained exposure.
The mineral acquires a blue tint when heated.
Precision Matters
Acquire overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
acquire
vs.Means gain, obtain, or come into possession of something, often through effort, purchase, or experience.
derive from
Means come, originate, or be obtained from a source.
acquire
vs.Means gain, obtain, or come into possession of something, often through effort, purchase, or experience.
replenish
Means to refill, restore, or resupply something that has been used or depleted.
acquire
vs.Means gain, obtain, or come into possession of something, often through effort, purchase, or experience.
deplete
Means to reduce the amount or supply of something, often substantially.
acquire
vs.Means gain, obtain, or come into possession of something, often through effort, purchase, or experience.
abandon
Means give up, discontinue, or leave something completely, especially a plan, effort, place, or possession.
Test acquire in Context
They hope to obtain the samples for their study.
1
Researchers hope to ___ additional samples before the rainy season begins.