v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. obtain or secure (usu. something desired or favourable) (gain an advantage; gain recognition).
2 tr. acquire (a sum) as profits or as a result of changed conditions; earn.
3 tr. obtain as an increment or addition (gain momentum; gain weight).
4 tr. a win (a victory). b reclaim (land from the sea).
5 intr. (foll. by in) make a specified advance or improvement (gained in stature).
6 intr. & tr. (of a clock etc.) become fast, or be fast by (a specified amount of time).
7 intr. (often foll. by on, upon) come closer to a person or thing pursued.
8 tr. a bring over to one's interest or views. b (foll. by over) win by persuasion etc.
9 tr. reach or arrive at (a desired place).
--n.
1. something gained, achieved, etc.
2 an increase of possessions etc.; a profit, advance, or improvement.
3 the acquisition of wealth.
4 (in pl.) sums of money acquired by trade etc., emoluments, winnings.
5 an increase in amount.
6 Electronics a the factor by which power etc. is increased. b the logarithm of this.
Phrases and idioms:
gain ground see GROUND(1). gain time improve one's chances by causing or accepting delay.
Derivatives:
gainable adj. gainer n. gainings n.pl.
Etymology: OF gaigner, gaaignier to till, acquire, ult. f. Gmc