Obtainment: meaning, definitions and examples
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obtainment
[ əbˈteɪnmənt ]
process of obtaining
Obtainment refers to the act or process of acquiring or gaining possession of something. It can pertain to tangible items, such as goods or materials, as well as intangible elements, such as knowledge or skills. The term is often used in formal or legal contexts to describe the means through which something is secured or received. Obtainment may involve various methods including purchase, gathering, or entitlement. Overall, it emphasizes the transition from a state of non-ownership to ownership.
Synonyms
acquisition, attainment, gaining, procurement, receipt.
Examples of usage
- The obtainment of permits is essential for construction.
- Her obtainment of the award was celebrated by her colleagues.
- The company focused on the obtainment of new clients.
- His obtainment of the degree opened many doors for his career.
Etymology
The word 'obtainment' derives from the Middle English term 'obtenement', which means ‘the action of obtaining’ and carries traces back to the Latin root 'obtinere', meaning 'to hold' or 'to possess'. The prefix 'ob-' indicates a sense of 'against' or 'toward', while ‘tinere’ means 'to hold'. This construction suggests the holding or securing of something that is not originally in one's possession. The transition of the term into modern English led to its current form and usage, which has expanded to include both physical and abstract acquisitions. 'Obtainment' may not be as frequently used in everyday language; however, it appears often in legal, academic, and formal contexts, emphasizing its specialized application in descriptions of processes and actions related to acquiring various entities or rights.