Obtain

Pronunciation: /əbˈteɪn/

Definitions of obtain

verb to come into possession of; to acquire through effort or request

Example Sentences

A1 I need to obtain a library card to borrow books.

A2 She obtained a visa to travel to the United States.

B1 In order to obtain a driver's license, you must pass a written test.

B2 The company obtained a patent for their new invention.

C1 The lawyer obtained crucial evidence to win the case.

C2 After years of hard work, she finally obtained her PhD.

Examples of obtain in a Sentence

formal In order to complete the research project, we must obtain approval from the ethics committee.

informal I need to obtain a copy of that book before the library closes.

slang I'm gonna try to obtain some free samples at the store.

figurative She was determined to obtain justice for her family no matter what it took.

Grammatical Forms of obtain

• past tense: obtained
• plural: obtains
• comparative: more obtainable
• superlative: most obtainable
• present tense: obtain
• future tense: will obtain
• perfect tense: has obtained
• continuous tense: is obtaining
• singular: obtain
• positive degree: obtainable
• infinitive: to obtain
• gerund: obtaining
• participle: obtaining

Origin and Evolution of obtain

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'obtain' originated from the Old French word 'obtenir' which came from the Latin word 'obtinere', meaning 'to hold, keep, or maintain'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'obtain' has retained its original meaning of acquiring or gaining something, but has also come to be used more broadly to refer to achieving or securing something through effort or persistence.