Procure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔍

Add to dictionary

procure

[prəˈkjʊə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

obtain

To obtain something, especially with care or effort.

Synonyms

acquire, attain, obtain, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
procure	Used when obtaining something, especially through effort, with a slight implication of formality or complexity. He managed to procure rare ingredients for the event. She procured the documents after several days of negotiation.
obtain	Used for getting something that is needed or wanted, generally without implying the effort involved. He obtained permission to leave early. The data can be obtained from several sources.
acquire	Often used to describe gaining possession of something, usually over a period of time or through someone's own efforts. He acquired new skills after years of training. They acquired the company in a recent merger.
secure	Indicates successfully obtaining something, often implying assurance or making something safe or certain. She secured a job at a prestigious firm. They secured the perimeter of the building.
attain	Describes reaching a goal, often one that is challenging or takes a significant effort. She attained a high level of proficiency in Spanish. The team finally attained victory after several attempts.

Examples of usage

I managed to procure a rare book for my collection.
She procured a new job after months of searching.
The team procured the necessary equipment for the expedition.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

obtain for official use

To obtain something, especially for official use or business purposes.

Synonyms

acquire, obtain, secure, source.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
procure	This word is often used in formal or business contexts to describe the act of obtaining something with effort or care. It may imply a complex or detailed process. The company managed to procure new machinery from overseas. She had to procure special permits to continue the research.
obtain	This word is used in both casual and formal situations and implies gaining possession or achieving something through specific actions or efforts. She managed to obtain permission to explore the restricted area. He needs to obtain a visa before traveling to that country.
source	Commonly used in business or procurement settings, often referring to the origin or supplier of goods and materials. The emphasis is on where or who provides the items. The company is trying to source high-quality materials locally. We need to source additional suppliers for our inventory.
acquire	Often used in both formal and informal settings, this word indicates the process of gaining possession, ownership, or control of something, typically over a period of time. He acquired a new language skill within a few months. The company acquired several smaller firms last year.
secure	Used in contexts where ensuring safety or certainty is important, typically in formal or serious scenarios. It can mean to obtain something with guaranteed safety or certainty. They worked hard to secure funding for the new project. He secured a good position at the company.

Examples of usage

The department procured new laptops for the employees.
He procured the required permits for the event.
The government procured supplies for the disaster relief efforts.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

obsolete

A procurer or pimp.

Synonyms

madam, pimp, procurer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
procure	Procure is usually used in a formal or professional setting. It means to obtain something with effort or care. The organization tried to procure important supplies for the upcoming event. She managed to procure a rare book for her collection.
pimp	Pimp is a term for someone who arranges clients for prostitutes, taking part of the earnings. It has a very negative connotation and suggests exploitation. The police arrested him for acting as a pimp. He was notorious in the area as a dangerous pimp.
madam	Madam is a respectful way to address a woman, especially in a formal situation. It can also refer to a woman who runs a brothel, which is a negative use. May I help you with that, madam? The madam of the establishment was known to be very strict.
procurer	Procurer often refers to a person who obtains goods or services, sometimes for illegal or unethical purposes. It can have a formal use, but it also carries negative implications similar to a pimp. He worked as a procurer for the black market. The museum hired a procurer to find rare artifacts.

Examples of usage

The character in the novel was depicted as a corrupt procure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business

In the business world, procuring involves sourcing materials essential for production.
Procurement has become a vital part of supply chain management, aligning purchasing with organizational strategies.
E-procurement technologies are transforming how companies acquire goods, leading to greater efficiency.

Law

In legal terms, procurement can refer to the process of obtaining services under government regulations.
Fraudulent procurement can involve obtaining goods or contracts under false pretenses, which is a serious offense.
Legal requirements often mandate transparency in the procurement process, ensuring fair competition.

History

Historically, procure was essential in times of war to gather supplies and resources needed for troops.
In ancient times, trading routes were vital for procuring goods across different cultures and regions.
The emergence of marketplaces across cities facilitated the procurement of diverse goods, boosting local economies.

Culture

Procurement practices vary across cultures, with some emphasizing negotiation while others focus on direct transactions.
In some societies, gifts are part of the procurement process, representing trust and relationship-building.
The concept of sustainability in procurement is growing, as many cultures prioritize eco-friendly and ethical sourcing.

Origin of 'procure'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'procurare,' which means to attend to or manage.
In Old French, it became 'procurer', further emphasizing the act of obtaining.
The transition from Middle English to modern usage shaped its meaning towards acquiring goods or services.

The word 'procure' originated from the Latin word 'procurare', which means 'to take care of' or 'manage'. Over time, the meaning evolved to 'obtain' or 'acquire'. The term 'procure' has been used in English since the 14th century, originally in the sense of 'manage' or 'take care of'. It later developed the meaning of 'obtain' or 'acquire', which is commonly used today.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,193 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6190 advocates
6191 carved
6192 defensive
6193 procure
6194 philosophers
6195 doubled
6196 tomb
...