Buying: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for general everyday transactions, often where the amount or item is not particularly significant or formal.

• I am buying groceries for the week.
• He is buying a new phone tomorrow.

Tends to be more formal than 'buying', and is often used in business or financial contexts where more significant transactions are involved.

• We are purchasing new equipment for the office.
• The corporation is purchasing a large amount of raw materials.

Used in more formal or business contexts, usually involving obtaining something with effort or over time, and not necessarily involving a monetary transaction.

• She is acquiring new skills through her job.
• The company is acquiring smaller startups to expand its market presence.

Usually refers to the activity of looking for and selecting items to buy, often used in the context of leisure or casual activity.

• I enjoy shopping on weekends.
• They went shopping for new clothes.

Typically used in formal or written contexts. It means to buy something and emphasizes the transaction aspect. It is common in business and commercial language.

• They decided to purchase a new property
• You can purchase tickets online

Used in more formal or professional contexts. It implies obtaining or gaining possession of something, often over time and through effort or investment.

• The company acquired new technology to enhance its productivity
• He acquired a taste for classical music during his studies

Used in formal business or legal contexts to describe the process of obtaining something, especially with effort or careful planning. It often implies difficulty or special means.

• The government agency procured the necessary equipment for the project
• She managed to procure a rare piece of art for the gallery