This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
obtain
[ uhb-teyn ]
/ ÉbĖteÉŖn /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to come into possession of; get, acquire, or procure, as through an effort or by a request: to obtain permission; to obtain a better income.
Obsolete. to attain or reach.
verb (used without object)
to be prevalent, customary, or in vogue; prevail: the morals that obtained in Rome.
Archaic. to succeed.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of obtain
1375ā1425; late Middle English obteinen, from Middle French obtenir, from Latin obtinÄre āto take hold of,ā equivalent to ob- ob- + -tinÄre (combining form of tenÄre āto holdā)
synonym study for obtain
1. See get.
OTHER WORDS FROM obtain
Words nearby obtain
obstruct, obstruction, obstructionist, obstructive, obstruent, obtain, obtaining by deception, obtect, obtemper, obtest, obtrude
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Ā© Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use obtain in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for obtain
obtain
/ (ÉbĖteÉŖn) /
verb
(tr) to gain possession of; acquire; get
(intr) to be customary, valid, or accepteda new law obtains in this case
(tr) archaic to arrive at
(intr) archaic to win a victory; succeed
Derived forms of obtain
obtainable, adjectiveobtainability, nounobtainer, nounobtainment, nounWord Origin for obtain
C15: via Old French from Latin obtinÄre to take hold of, from ob- (intensive) + tenÄre to hold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
Ā© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 Ā© HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012