ob ‧ tain S3 W2 AC /əbˈteɪn/ BrE AmE verb formal
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ obtain ; adjective : ↑ obtainable ≠ ↑ unobtainable ]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: obtenir , from Latin obtinere 'to hold on to, own, obtain' ]
1 . [transitive] to get something that you want, especially through your own effort, skill, or work SYN get
obtain something from somebody/something
Further information can be obtained from head office.
You will need to obtain permission from the principal.
obtain something through something
the results obtained through these surveys
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In everyday English, people say that they get a result, a ticket, some information etc rather than obtain it:
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You have to get permission from your parents.
2 . [intransitive not in progressive] if a situation, system, or rule obtains, it continues to exist:
These conditions no longer obtain.
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THESAURUS
▪ get [not in passive] to get something by finding it, asking for it, or paying for it:
I’ve been trying to get some information.
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She went to the bank to get some money.
▪ obtain formal to get something:
Maps and guides can be obtained from the tourist office.
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The newspaper has obtained a copy of the letter.
▪ acquire formal to get something – used about knowledge, skills, or something big or expensive:
The course helps older people to acquire computing skills.
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He acquired the property in 1985.
▪ inherit to get someone’s money or property after they die:
Jo inherited a lot of money from her mother.
▪ gain to get something useful or necessary, such as knowledge or experience:
I’ve gained a lot of useful experience.
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The research helped us gain an insight into how a child’s mind works.
▪ earn to get something because you deserve it:
He had earned a reputation as a peacemaker.
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She earned a lot of respect from her colleagues.
▪ get hold of something informal to get something that is rare or difficult to find:
I’m trying to get hold of a ticket for the game.
▪ lay your hands on something informal to get something that you want very much or that you have spent a lot of time looking for:
I read every book I could lay my hands on.