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English Lexicon

Obtain

/əbˈteɪn/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #850 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To get or acquire something.

    "She was able to obtain a scholarship for her studies."
  2. 2

    To come into possession of something through effort.

    "He worked hard to obtain the necessary qualifications."
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Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb 'obtinere', meaning 'to hold, keep, or acquire', formed by combining 'ob-' (against, to) and 'tenere' (to hold). It entered the English language in the late Middle English period via Old French 'obtenir' and has retained its core meaning of successfully gaining possession of something.

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