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