Acquire vs. Obtain — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 21, 2024
"Acquire" often implies a process of gaining possession through effort or skill, while "obtain" suggests getting something through a more straightforward process.
Difference Between Acquire and Obtain
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
To acquire something generally involves an active effort or strategy, emphasizing the process of coming into possession, whereas to obtain something can be more straightforward and may not necessarily involve a complex process.
Acquire is often used in contexts where skill, knowledge, or careful planning is needed, such as acquiring a language or a business, while obtain is used for acquiring items where the process is less complex, like obtaining a document or a permission.
In legal or formal contexts, acquire can imply a long-term, strategic process, such as acquiring a company through a series of negotiations, whereas obtain is typically used for transactions or exchanges that are more immediate and transactional.
When it comes to personal development or skills, one acquires expertise over time through education and experience, on the other hand, one might obtain a certificate or a degree after completing a course.
The word acquire often carries a connotation of gradual accumulation, such as acquiring wealth or social status, while obtain might be used in situations involving a single, definitive act of possession.
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Comparison Chart
Process
Involves effort, skill, or strategy
Generally straightforward or transactional
Usage Context
Often used for skills, knowledge, businesses
Used for items, documents, permissions
Connotation
Gradual accumulation, strategic acquisition
Immediate possession, less complex processes
Examples
Acquiring a skill, a company
Obtaining a license, a product
Formality
Common in legal, business contexts
Common in everyday, practical contexts
Compare with Definitions
Acquire
Can imply a strategic or deliberate approach.
They acquired a stake in the startup.
Obtain
Often used in contexts requiring immediate action.
Obtain a copy of the book for the class.
Acquire
To gain possession through effort or ability.
She plans to acquire fluency in Spanish by next year.
Obtain
To get possession of something, usually more straightforwardly.
He obtained the necessary permissions to start building.
Acquire
Associated with gaining something of lasting value.
He acquired a reputation for honesty.
Obtain
Commonly used for acquiring documents or information.
She obtained her report card yesterday.
Acquire
Used in business contexts for mergers and acquisitions.
The company was acquired by a multinational firm.
Obtain
Can involve acquiring something through a request or application.
They obtained funding for the project.
Acquire
Often involves a process of learning or accumulation.
He acquired his wealth through years of hard work.
Obtain
Linked with practical, immediate gains.
He quickly obtained a replacement for his lost credit card.
Acquire
Acquire is a multi-player mergers and acquisitions themed board game. It is played with tiles representing hotels that are arranged on the board, play money and stock certificates.
Obtain
To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Acquire
To gain possession of
Acquire 100 shares of stock.
Obtain
To be in existence, in effect, or customary
"standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield).
Acquire
To get by one's own efforts
Acquire proficiency in math.
Obtain
(Archaic) To succeed.
Acquire
To gain through experience; come by
Acquired a growing dislike of television sitcoms.
Obtain
(transitive) To get hold of; to gain possession of, to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Acquire
To locate (a target) with an aiming device or a tracking system, such as radar.
Obtain
To secure (that) a specific objective or state of affairs be reached.
Acquire
(transitive) To get.
Obtain
To prevail, be victorious; to succeed.
Acquire
(transitive) To gain, usually by one's own exertions; to get as one's own
He acquired a title.
All the riches he acquired were from hard work.
One should acquire as much knowledge as possible from reading.
To acquire a skill
To acquire decent habits and manners
Obtain
To hold; to keep, possess or occupy.
Acquire
(medicine) To contract.
Obtain
To exist or be the case; to hold true, be in force.
Acquire
(computing) To sample signals and convert them into digital values.
Obtain
To hold; to keep; to possess.
His mother, then, is mortal, but his SireHe who obtains the monarchy of heaven.
Acquire
To gain, usually by one's own exertions; to get as one's own; as, to acquire a title, riches, knowledge, skill, good or bad habits.
No virtue is acquired in an instant, but step by step.
Descent is the title whereby a man, on the death of his ancestor, acquires his estate, by right of representation, as his heir at law.
Obtain
To get hold of by effort; to gain possession of; to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Some pray for riches; riches they obtain.
By guileful fair words peace may be obtained.
It may be that I may obtain children by her.
Acquire
Come into the possession of something concrete or abstract;
She got a lot of paintings from her uncle
They acquired a new pet
Get your results the next day
Get permission to take a few days off from work
Obtain
To gain or have a firm footing; to be recognized or established; to become prevalent or general; to prevail; as, the custom obtains of going to the seashore in summer.
Sobriety hath by use obtained to signify temperance in drinking.
The Theodosian code, several hundred years after Justinian's time, did obtain in the western parts of Europe.
Acquire
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect;
His voice took on a sad tone
The story took a new turn
He adopted an air of superiority
She assumed strange manners
The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
Obtain
To prevail; to succeed.
So run that ye may obtain.
There is due from the judge to the advocate, some commendation, where causes are fair pleaded; especially towards the side which obtaineth not.
Acquire
Come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes);
He grew a beard
The patient developed abdominal pains
I got funny spots all over my body
Well-developed breasts
Obtain
Come into possession of;
How did you obtain the visa?
Acquire
Locate (a moving entity) by means of a tracking system such as radar
Obtain
Receive a specified treatment (abstract);
These aspects of civilization do not find expression or receive an interpretation
His movie received a good review
I got nothing but trouble for my good intentions
Acquire
Win something through one's efforts;
I acquired a passing knowledge of Chinese
Gain an understanding of international finance
Obtain
Be valid, applicable, or true;
This theory still holds
Acquire
Acquire or gain knowledge or skills;
She learned dancing from her sister
I learned Sanskrit
Children acquire language at an amazing rate
Acquire
Gain through experience;
I acquired a strong aversion to television
Children must develop a sense of right and wrong
Dave developed leadership qualities in his new position
Develop a passion for painting
Common Curiosities
What are common items to obtain?
Common items to obtain include consumer goods, tickets, or legal documents.
How does one acquire knowledge?
One acquires knowledge through study, experience, or research over time.
What does it mean to acquire a company?
To acquire a company means to take over control or ownership, often involving strategic planning and negotiation.
Can acquire be used interchangeably with obtain?
While sometimes interchangeable, "acquire" often suggests a more effortful or strategic process compared to "obtain."
Is obtain more formal than get?
Obtain is more formal than get and is often preferred in written or formal contexts.
What does it mean to obtain information?
To obtain information can mean to procure it from a source, often involving an exchange or request.
What does it mean to obtain a permit?
To obtain a permit means to receive official permission for an activity, often through an application process.
Are there legal differences between acquire and obtain?
In legal contexts, acquire often relates to property or rights, while obtain can be used for less permanent possessions.
Can one obtain skills?
Typically, skills are acquired through practice and learning, though one can obtain specific qualifications or certifications.
Is obtain always easier than acquire?
Not necessarily easier, but obtain typically involves less complex or strategic processes than acquire.
What is an example of acquiring a skill?
Acquiring a skill could involve learning to play a musical instrument over several years.
Can acquire be used in casual conversation?
Yes, but it might sound formal or strategic compared to obtain.
What does it mean to obtain a license?
Obtaining a license means receiving official authorization to perform an activity, usually after meeting specified criteria.
How does one acquire a good reputation?
A good reputation is usually acquired through consistent positive behavior and public perception.
What are the implications of acquiring wealth?
Acquiring wealth typically implies accumulating assets or money over time, often through investments or savings.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
