Acquired Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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acquired
ac-quired
Definition
past tense
Acquired is the past tense of the verb acquire, which means to gain possession or control of something. This can refer to obtaining skills, knowledge, or physical items. In a broader sense, it signifies the process of gaining something through effort, purchase, or other means. This term is frequently used in business, education, and personal development contexts.
Synonyms
gained, obtained, procured, secured.
Examples of usage
- He acquired a new skill over the summer.
- The company acquired multiple startups to expand its market.
- She acquired a taste for sushi while traveling in Japan.
Translations
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Quick facts about “acquired”
Acquired is a 2-syllable verb (ac-quired). It is pronounced /əˈkwaɪɝd/ in American English and /ɐkwˈaɪəd/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #1,673 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'acquired'
The word 'acquired' comes from the Latin verb 'acquirere', which means 'to add to oneself' or 'to obtain'. The prefix 'ad-' (to) combined with 'quaerere' (to seek, to ask) gives it the meaning of acquiring through effort or intention. It entered Middle English through Old French during the transition from Norman rule, gaining its current form in the early 14th century. Over time, the usage expanded to various contexts, particularly in business and personal growth domains. The evolution reflects shifts in societal values toward education, commerce, and personal development, showcasing both tangible and intangible aspects of acquisition.