obtain
To get or acquire something
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to obtain approval from the board before announcing.”
Over coffee
“Where did you obtain that vintage record player?”
Why this word
get
Obtain suggests acquiring through effort or formal process, while get is informal and non-specific about method
acquire
Obtain emphasizes successful procurement often through request or procedure, while acquire is broader including gradual accumulation
receive
Obtain implies active effort to gain possession, while receive suggests passive acceptance of what is given
Usage tip
More formal than 'get'; implies effort or process in acquiring something
Etymology
Latin 'obtinere' from 'ob-' (toward) + 'tenere' (to hold)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
garner
To gather or collect, especially praise, support, or information
milestone
A significant point or achievement in a process
procure
To obtain something, especially with care or effort
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
delegate
To assign a task or responsibility to someone else.