gain

²gain

verb

Definition of GAIN

transitive verb

1

a : to acquire or get possession of usually by industry, merit, or craft <gain an advantage> <he stood to gain a fortune> b : to win in competition or conflict <the troops gained enemy territory> c (1) : to arrive at : reach, attain <gained the river that night> (2) : traverse, cover <gained 10 yards on the play> d : to get by a natural development or process <gain strength> e : to establish a specific relationship with <gain a friend>

2

a : to make an increase of (a specified amount) <gained three percent in the past month> b : to increase in (a particular quality) <gain momentum>

3

: to win to one's side : persuade <gain adherents to a cause>

4

: to cause to be obtained or given : attract <gain attention>

5

of a timepiece : to run fast by the amount of <the clock gains a minute a day>

intransitive verb

1

: to get advantage : profit <hoped to gain by the deal>

2

a : increase <the day was gaining in warmth> b : to increase in weight c : to improve in health or ability

3

of a timepiece : to run fast

4

: to get closer to something pursued —usually used with on or upon

— gain·er noun

— gain ground

: to make progress

Examples of GAIN

1. They stand to gain an advantage over their competitors by getting an early start.
2. What do you hope to gain from this?
3. gain control of the territory
4. Investigators are trying to gain access to the group's financial records.
5. We were unable to gain admission to the club.
6. We need to gain a better understanding of the problem.
7. They had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
8. He first gained attention as a young writer.
9. Her theories are slowly gaining acceptance.
10. I took the job to gain experience.

First Known Use of GAIN

14th century

Related to GAIN

Synonyms: build up, gather, grow (in), pick up

Antonyms: decrease (in), lose

Related Words: double (in), triple (in); accrue, accumulate, amass; excite, stimulate; enhance, enlarge, enrich, expand, extend, maximize; boost, elevate, jack (up), mount, ramp (up), step up

Near Antonyms: abate, decline (in), diminish (in), dip, dwindle, fall (in), lessen, taper, taper off

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide