obtain

ob·tain

verb \əb-ˈtān, äb-\

Definition of OBTAIN

transitive verb

: to gain or attain usually by planned action or effort

intransitive verb

1

archaic : succeed

2

: to be generally recognized or established : prevail

— ob·tain·abil·i·ty \-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— ob·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adjective

— ob·tain·er noun

— ob·tain·ment \-ˈtān-mənt\ noun

Examples of OBTAIN

1. The information may be difficult to obtain.
2. We obtained a copy of the original letter.
3. These ideas no longer obtain for our generation.

Origin of OBTAIN

Middle English obteinen, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French obtenir, from Latin obtinēre to hold on to, possess, obtain, from ob- in the way + tenēre to hold — more at thin

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to OBTAIN

Synonyms: acquire, attain, bag, bring in, capture, carry, come by, draw, gain, garner, get, knock down, land, make, earn, procure, pull down, realize, reap, secure, win

Antonyms: forfeit, lose

Related Words: clear, gross, net; accomplish, achieve, notch (up), score; accumulate, amass, draw, rack up; catch, pick up; annex, occupy, take over; reacquire, reattain, recapture, regain, remake

Near Antonyms: accord, give, grant, pay; give up, hand over, part (with), relinquish, surrender, yield

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