Acquisition: meaning, definitions and examples
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acquisition
[ˌækwɪˈzɪʃən ]
Definitions
business
The act of acquiring something, especially a company or a substantial amount of something.
Synonyms
procurement, purchase, takeover.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| acquisition |
This term is often used in a business or legal context to denote the act of obtaining control of a company, asset, or skill. It's formal and can refer to both objects and abstract concepts.
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| purchase |
A common and general term used to describe the act of buying something. It can be used in everyday conversations as well as in business transactions.
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| takeover |
Used specifically in a business or financial context, a takeover refers to the act of gaining control of another company. It often has a slightly negative connotation, indicating an aggressive or unwanted acquisition.
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| procurement |
Primarily used in formal or business settings, procurement refers specifically to the process of obtaining goods or services, often for business or government use. It involves the steps taken to acquire these goods or services efficiently and legally.
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Examples of usage
- The acquisition of the rival company will strengthen our market position.
- The acquisition of new technology will help us stay ahead of the competition.
legal
The process of obtaining something, typically through a legal or official process.
Synonyms
acquiring, gaining, obtaining.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| acquisition |
Typically used in business or formal settings to describe the act of obtaining control of something like a company or asset through purchase or other means.
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| obtaining |
Used in general contexts to describe getting something, particularly when it involves some effort or formal process.
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| acquiring |
Can be used in various situations to indicate the process of obtaining something, often with an emphasis on the effort involved.
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| gaining |
Often used to describe obtaining something that builds up over time, such as knowledge, experience, or weight. It can also indicate earning respect or trust.
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Examples of usage
- The acquisition of land for the new highway project has been completed.
- The acquisition of a permit is necessary before starting construction.
finance
The purchase of one business entity by another, often through buying a majority of its shares.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| acquisition |
Use 'acquisition' when a company obtains another company or asset through purchase or other means. It's often used in business and legal contexts.
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| merger |
Use 'merger' when two companies combine to form a new entity. This term indicates a more collaborative or mutual agreement between the companies involved.
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| takeover |
Use 'takeover' when one company gains control of another, often without the consent of the target company's management. The term usually has a more aggressive connotation.
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| buyout |
Use 'buyout' when one company, individual, or entity purchases a controlling interest in another company or asset, often implying the buyer now has control over the business.
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Examples of usage
- The acquisition of the tech startup by the larger corporation was a strategic move.
- The acquisition of the bank by a foreign investor raised concerns about control.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- This term comes from the Latin word 'acquisitio,' meaning 'a gaining or acquiring'.
- It evolved from the Old French 'acquis,' which referred to something obtained.
- The word has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially in the context of gaining knowledge.
Business and Economics
- A key strategy for growth, acquisitions often involve one company buying another to expand market reach.
- Companies like Facebook and Google have made headlines by acquiring smaller tech firms to innovate and stay competitive.
- In finance, acquisitions can also be financially beneficial, allowing for increased revenue efficiencies.
Psychology
- Acquisition is a central concept in learning, relating to how new information or skills are obtained.
- Behavioral psychologists use the term to describe how behaviors are learned by interacting with the environment.
- Research in cognitive psychology studies how people acquire language and knowledge throughout their lives.
Pop Culture
- The term is often used in the context of corporate takeovers, which are common themes in movies and TV shows.
- In popular novels, characters often drive dramatic plots through their struggles over acquisitions, be it wealth or power.
- Many gamers encounter acquisition systems in video games, where players collect items or upgrade resources.
Education
- Acquisition of language is fundamental in early childhood education, as it influences communication skills.
- In academic settings, educators focus on acquisition strategies to help students master new subjects.
- Research shows that engaged learning leads to better acquisition of skills as children interact with their peers and environment.
Translations
Translations of the word "acquisition" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aquisição
🇮🇳 अधिग्रहण
🇩🇪 Erwerb
🇮🇩 akuisisi
🇺🇦 придбання
🇵🇱 nabycie
🇯🇵 取得
🇫🇷 acquisition
🇪🇸 adquisición
🇹🇷 edinim
🇰🇷 획득
🇸🇦 استحواذ
🇨🇿 nabytí
🇸🇰 nadobudnutie
🇨🇳 收购
🇸🇮 pridobitev
🇮🇸 öflun
🇰🇿 сатып алу
🇬🇪 შეძენა
🇦🇿 satın alma
🇲🇽 adquisición