Acquiring: meaning, definitions and examples

💼

Add to dictionary

acquiring

[əˈkwaɪrɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

business

Obtaining or gaining possession of something, often through effort or purchase.

Synonyms

attain, gain, obtain, procure, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obtain	Frequently used in formal or written contexts, often implying that something is acquired by a particular means or through a process. He obtained his degree after four years of hard work. To obtain a visa, you need to apply at the embassy.
gain	Commonly used in everyday language to indicate obtaining something desirable or beneficial. Can refer to both tangible and intangible things. He gained a lot of experience during the internship. She gained five pounds over the holidays.
procure	Usually used in formal contexts, indicating the act of acquiring something, often with some effort or specific means. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, especially when referring to obtaining something illicitly. The company managed to procure the necessary supplies for the project. They procured rare artifacts for the museum exhibit.
secure	Implies ensuring or protecting something, often by making an effort to acquire it safely or confidently. She secured a job at a top law firm. They secured funding for the research project.
attain	Often used in the context of reaching a goal or achieving something significant through effort or persistence. He attained the highest score in the class. She finally attained her dream of becoming a doctor.

Examples of usage

The company is acquiring a new office building.
She spent years acquiring knowledge in her field.
He is interested in acquiring vintage cars.
We are acquiring new customers through our marketing efforts.
The process of acquiring a new language can be challenging.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'acquire' comes from the Latin 'acquirere' which means 'to get' or 'to gain'.
In Middle English, it was used as 'aquiren' before evolving into its modern form.
The prefix 'ac-' in Latin often denotes 'to, toward', enhancing the meaning of gaining.

Business

In the business world, acquiring can refer to gaining control of a company through purchasing its assets or shares.
The term 'merger and acquisition' highlights how companies grow by acquiring others rather than just creating new products from scratch.
Large tech companies are often in the news for acquiring smaller startups to expand their reach and technological capabilities.

Psychology

Acquiring knowledge can enhance cognitive abilities, often leading to lifelong learning and adaptability.
Studies show that the process of acquiring new skills can positively impact mental health, as it boosts self-esteem and confidence.
The concept of 'acquired taste' in psychology explains how familiarity can increase enjoyment of certain foods or experiences over time.

Education

Acquiring language skills is foundational in childhood education, setting the stage for communication and understanding.
Different learning strategies can enhance the acquiring process, such as active engagement and hands-on activities.
Cognitive development theories emphasize the importance of acquiring knowledge at various developmental stages.

Cultural Insights

In various cultures, acquiring wealth signifies success, impacting social standing and relationships.
The values surrounding acquiring knowledge can differ widely, as some cultures emphasize academic achievement while others focus on practical skills.
Cultural rituals often accompany the acquisition of new possessions or skills, signifying transformation or milestones in life.

Translations

Translations of the word "acquiring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 adquirindo

🇮🇳 प्राप्त करना

🇩🇪 erwerben

🇮🇩 memperoleh

🇺🇦 здобуття

🇵🇱 nabywanie

🇯🇵 取得する

🇫🇷 acquérir

🇪🇸 adquiriendo

🇹🇷 edinme

🇰🇷 획득

🇸🇦 اقتناء

🇨🇿 získávání

🇸🇰 získavanie

🇨🇳 获得

🇸🇮 pridobivanje

🇮🇸 öflun

🇰🇿 алу

🇬🇪 შეძენა

🇦🇿 əldə etmək

🇲🇽 adquiriendo

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,746 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5743 fond
5744 charming
5745 contraction
5746 acquiring
5747 aids
5748 spine
5749 clearance
...