Procure: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.