n.
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 a : to acquire or get possession of usually by industry, merit, or craft < gain an advantage> <he stood to gain a fortune> b : to win in competition or conflict <the troops gain ed enemy territory> c (1) : to arrive at : REACH , ATTAIN < gain ed the river that night> (2) : TRAVERSE , COVER < gain ed 10 yards on the play> d : to get by a natural development or process < gain strength> e : to establish a specific relationship with < gain a friend>
2 a : to make an increase of (a specified amount) < gain ed three percent in the past month> b : to increase in (a particular quality) < gain momentum>
3 : to win to one's side : PERSUADE < gain adherents to a cause>
4 : to cause to be obtained or given : ATTRACT < gain attention>
5 of a timepiece : to run fast by the amount of <the clock gain s a minute a day>
intransitive verb
1 : to get advantage : PROFIT <hoped to gain by the deal>
2 a : INCREASE <the day was gain ing in warmth> b : to increase in weight c : to improve in health or ability
3 of a timepiece : to run fast
4 : to get closer to something pursued ― usually used with on or upon
– gain · er noun
– gain ground : to make progress