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Gain: meaning, definitions and examples

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gain

 

[ɡeɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

financial

To obtain or secure something desired, especially as a result of effort or action.

Synonyms

achieve, acquire, attain, obtain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gain

Use 'gain' when talking about something positive that is received or increased, often gradually. It can be related to physical items, skills, or advantages.

  • He gained a lot of experience working in that company
  • She gained weight after the holidays
obtain

Use 'obtain' when something is received or acquired, often involving some effort or formal process.

  • You can obtain a visa by applying at the embassy
  • She obtained permission to use the facility
acquire

Use 'acquire' for obtaining something, often involving effort, skill, or money. It is commonly used for tangible and intangible assets like knowledge, property, or habits.

  • He acquired a new skill by taking online courses
  • She acquired a company's shares after the merger
attain

Use 'attain' in formal contexts when talking about reaching a specific standard, level, or achievement, often through effort or skill.

  • He eventually attained mastery in martial arts
  • The organization aims to attain higher customer satisfaction
achieve

Employ 'achieve' when referring to reaching a goal, especially after a lot of effort or hard work. It usually implies success in something significant or challenging.

  • She achieved her dream of becoming a doctor
  • They achieved their sales targets for the quarter

Examples of usage

  • I hope to gain a promotion at work.
  • She gained the trust of her colleagues through hard work.
  • The company gained a significant market share after the new product launch.
Context #2 | Noun

fitness

An increase in size, weight, or amount.

Synonyms

advance, boost, growth, increase.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gain

Use when talking about acquiring something, such as knowledge, weight, or benefits, often over some time.

  • He wants to gain more knowledge about programming
  • She gained five pounds over the holidays
increase

Use for numerical or measurable rises, such as in prices, quantities, or statistics.

  • There has been a significant increase in the number of students this year
  • The factory increased its production by 20%
growth

Use in contexts involving gradual increases, especially in size, amount, or importance, often seen in business, population, or personal development.

  • The city has seen rapid growth in recent years
  • His personal growth over the last year has been impressive
boost

Use when talking about giving something a push or an improvement, often in terms of energy, confidence, or sales.

  • A good night's sleep can really boost your energy levels
  • The new advertising campaign boosted their sales
advance

Use when referring to progress or movement forward, such as in projects, careers, or technology.

  • The company has made significant advances in technology
  • She advanced quickly in her career

Examples of usage

  • She noticed a gain in muscle mass after following a strict workout routine.
  • The athlete's diet resulted in a noticeable weight gain.
  • Our efforts led to a gain in overall strength and endurance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'gaigner,' which means 'to win or earn.'
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'ganare,' which also means 'to obtain or acquire.'
  • The concept of gaining has been part of the English language since the 14th century.

Finance

  • In finance, 'gain' refers to an profit made from investments or assets when they increase in value.
  • Capital gains happen when you sell an asset for more than you paid for it.
  • Tax regulations often have specific rules regarding how gains are calculated and taxed.

Psychology

  • The feeling of gaining something can lead to increased motivation and positive emotions.
  • Experiencing gains, whether material or intangible, can contribute to one's overall life satisfaction.
  • Studies show that gains, especially social ones, can strengthen interpersonal connections and community feelings.

Sports

  • In sports, gaining points or yards is crucial for winning, showing the importance of progress.
  • Athletes often talk about gaining skills through practice, reflecting improvement over time.
  • Gains in athletic performance can lead to records being broken, inspiring others.

Education

  • Students can gain knowledge and skills through learning, which helps them in their future careers.
  • Teacher assessments often measure the gains students make over a school year.
  • Gains in education can lead to opportunities for scholarships or advanced placements.

Translations

Translations of the word "gain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ganho

🇮🇳 लाभ

🇩🇪 Gewinn

🇮🇩 keuntungan

🇺🇦 прибуток

🇵🇱 zysk

🇯🇵 利益 (りえき)

🇫🇷 gain

🇪🇸 ganancia

🇹🇷 kazanç

🇰🇷 이익 (利益)

🇸🇦 ربح

🇨🇿 zisk

🇸🇰 zisk

🇨🇳 收益 (shōuyì)

🇸🇮 dobiček

🇮🇸 hagnaður

🇰🇿 пайда

🇬🇪 მოგება

🇦🇿 gəlir

🇲🇽 ganancia

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,361, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.