/ əˈkwaɪə(r); NAmE / verb [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
to gain sth by your own efforts, ability or behaviour :
She has acquired a good knowledge of English.
He has acquired a reputation for dishonesty.
I have recently acquired a taste for olives.
2.
to obtain sth by buying or being given it :
The company has just acquired new premises.
I've suddenly acquired a stepbrother.
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IDIOMS
- an acquired taste
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English acquere , from Old French aquerre , based on Latin acquirere get in addition, from ad- to + quaerere seek. The English spelling was modified ( c. 1600) by association with the Latin word.