obtain

obtain is part of the Academic Word List. It is important for students in college and university.

Pronunciation

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Verb

Plain form obtain

Third-person singular obtains

Past tense obtained

Past participle obtained

Present participle obtaining

1. (transitive); (formal) If you obtain something, you get it.

   The newspaper was able to obtain the information from police.

   After obtaining permission from the town, they built the new trail.

2. (intransitive); (formal) If something obtains, it is true or it exists.

   His argument is therefore compatible only in cases where class difference does not obtain.

Synonyms

• acquire
• get

Related Words

(obtainable)