Obtained: meaning, definitions and examples

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obtained

[əbˈteɪnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

past tense

To get or acquire something through effort or skill.

Synonyms

acquire, attain, get, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obtained	Use when talking about something that was gained through effort or process. She obtained a visa after a lengthy application process
acquire	Used for something gained over time through effort, purchase, or learning. He acquired new skills during his internship
get	Very common and informal, used for receiving or obtaining something. Can I get a glass of water?
attain	Appropriate when talking about reaching a goal, usually after effort or struggle. She attained the highest score in the exam
secure	Used when something is obtained with certainty or ensured, often involving some effort or difficulty. He managed to secure a job at a leading tech company

Examples of usage

I obtained a copy of the report from the library.
She obtained her driver's license after passing the test.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

past tense

To come into possession of something.

Synonyms

fetch, gain, procure, receive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obtained	Used in formal or official situations when acquiring something through effort, skill, or a formal process. The certificate was obtained after completing the necessary courses. She obtained the data from reliable sources.
gain	Often used to describe acquiring something valuable or beneficial, such as knowledge, experience, or advantages. He hopes to gain more experience through this internship. The company gained a lot of new clients last year.
procure	Formal use, indicates the effort taken to acquire something, often with some difficulty or through elaborate means. They had to procure their own medical supplies during the crisis. She managed to procure a rare book for her collection.
receive	General use, describes taking possession of something offered or given, without emphasis on the effort to get it. I received a gift from my friend. He received an invitation to the wedding.
fetch	Informal use, often implies physically going and bringing something back. Commonly used with pets and daily activities. Could you fetch me a glass of water? The dog loves to fetch the ball.

Examples of usage

He obtained a rare stamp for his collection.
They obtained funding for their project from a generous donor.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

past tense

To reach or arrive at a certain point.

Synonyms

achieve, arrive at, attain, reach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obtained	Used when talking about getting or acquiring something, often material or documents, usually through effort. She obtained a visa to study abroad He obtained the necessary information for the project
arrive at	Used when talking about coming to a conclusion or decision after considering various factors or information. After several meetings, they arrived at a compromise We arrived at a solution after hours of discussion
attain	Used when talking about reaching a certain level, status, or degree, often something prestigious or significant. She attained the position of CEO after years of dedication He attained a high level of proficiency in the language
achieve	Used when talking about successfully reaching a goal or completing a task, often after effort and hard work. He achieved his dream of becoming a doctor They achieved great results in their research

Examples of usage

The train obtained its destination on time.
We obtained the summit of the mountain after a long hike.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'obtinere', which means 'to hold on to.'
It entered Middle English around the 14th century, evolving from the Old French 'obtenir.'
The prefix 'ob-' suggests 'against' or 'toward,' indicating a focus on reaching or acquiring.

Legal Context

In legal terms, 'obtained' often refers to how evidence is collected, with a focus on lawful acquisition.
Obtaining consent is crucial in legal agreements, making it essential to have permissions before acquiring.

Science

In science, data is often obtained through experiments, surveys, or observations.
Research findings must always be obtained ethically, ensuring transparency and integrity.

Education

Students are encouraged to obtain knowledge through reading and hands-on experiences.
Obtaining a diploma signifies the completion of an educational journey and achievement.

Cultural References

In literature, characters often embark on quests to obtain significant treasures, symbolizing personal growth.
Music and art often explore themes of what we seek to obtain emotionally, like happiness or acceptance.

Translations

Translations of the word "obtained" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obtido

🇮🇳 प्राप्त किया हुआ

🇩🇪 erhalten

🇮🇩 diperoleh

🇺🇦 отриманий

🇵🇱 uzyskany

🇯🇵 得られた (えられた)

🇫🇷 obtenu

🇪🇸 obtenido

🇹🇷 elde edilen

🇰🇷 얻은 (eod-eun)

🇸🇦 تم الحصول عليه

🇨🇿 získaný

🇸🇰 získaný

🇨🇳 获得的 (huòdé de)

🇸🇮 pridobljen

🇮🇸 fengið

🇰🇿 алынған

🇬🇪 მიღებული

🇦🇿 alınmış

🇲🇽 obtenido

Word Frequency Rank

With position #372, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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369 future
370 increased
371 current
372 obtained
373 paper
374 quite
375 ground
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