Learning vs. Acquisition — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Learning refers to the process of gaining knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching. Acquisition often means obtaining or gaining possession of something, like a skill or asset, sometimes without conscious effort.
Difference Between Learning and Acquisition
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Learning and acquisition are terms frequently used in the context of acquiring knowledge or skills, but they differ significantly in how this acquisition occurs. Learning typically involves a conscious effort, usually guided by instruction or a curriculum. It often requires active participation, such as studying, practicing, or receiving feedback. Acquisition, on the other hand, usually refers to obtaining something, such as a skill or asset, sometimes without conscious effort or even awareness.
The term "learning" often implies a structured process. For example, in an educational setting, learning may involve attending classes, completing assignments, and passing exams. Acquisition, however, can be a more passive process. For example, acquiring a language as a child often occurs naturally without formal instruction.
In the corporate world, the term "acquisition" often takes on a different meaning, referring to the purchase of assets or even entire companies. In this sense, acquisition involves obtaining something of value but does not necessarily require the active, structured process often associated with learning. Learning in a corporate context might involve employee training or workshops, but it does not result in "owning" an asset or company.
In summary, while learning and acquisition can both involve obtaining knowledge or skills, learning often requires active, conscious effort and is usually structured. Acquisition can occur passively and sometimes unconsciously, and may involve obtaining things beyond just knowledge or skills, such as assets or companies.
Comparison Chart
Process
Often structured and conscious
Can be passive or unconscious
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Contexts
Educational, skills development
Broader, including business and assets
Effort Required
Usually requires active effort
May require little to no effort
Awareness
Conscious awareness usually present
Can occur without awareness
Ownership
Does not imply ownership
Often involves obtaining or owning something
Compare with Definitions
Learning
Acquiring skills through study or experience.
His learning of carpentry took years of practice.
Acquisition
The act of obtaining or gaining possession.
The acquisition of new equipment boosted productivity.
Learning
Involves feedback and assessment.
The learning process was enhanced by timely feedback.
Acquisition
Occurs in various contexts.
The acquisition of data is critical in scientific research.
Learning
The act of gaining knowledge.
Sarah is committed to lifelong learning.
Acquisition
Can happen without conscious effort.
Language acquisition in children often occurs naturally.
Learning
A conscious, structured process.
Learning mathematics requires dedication and practice.
Acquisition
May involve ownership of assets.
The company's acquisition was a strategic move.
Learning
Learning is the process of acquiring new understanding, knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, attitudes, and preferences. The ability to learn is possessed by humans, animals, and some machines; there is also evidence for some kind of learning in certain plants.
Acquisition
Can be broader than just skills or knowledge.
His acquisition of antique furniture became a passion.
Learning
The acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught
An important learning process
These children experienced difficulties in learning
Acquisition
An asset or object bought or obtained, typically by a library or museum
The legacy will be used for new acquisitions
Learning
The act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skill.
Acquisition
The learning or developing of a skill, habit, or quality
The acquisition of management skills
Learning
Knowledge or skill gained through schooling or study.
Acquisition
The act of acquiring.
Learning
(Psychology) Changes in behavior resulting from experience, especially changes due to conditioning.
Acquisition
Something acquired or gained
Added two new acquisitions to my library.
Learning
(uncountable) An act in which something is learned.
Acquisition
The act or process of acquiring.
The acquisition of sports equipment can be fun in itself.
Learning
(uncountable) Accumulated knowledge.
The department head was also a scholar of great learning.
Acquisition
The thing acquired or gained; a gain.
That graphite tennis racquet is quite an acquisition.
Learning
(countable) Something that has been learned
Acquisition
(computing) The process of sampling signals that measure real world physical conditions and converting these signals into digital numeric values that can be manipulated by a computer.
Learning
Present participle of learn
I'm learning to ride a unicycle.
Acquisition
The act or process of acquiring.
The acquisition or loss of a province.
Learning
The acquisition of knowledge or skill; as, the learning of languages; the learning of telegraphy.
Acquisition
The purchase of one commercial enterprise by another, whether for cash, or in a trade of stock of the purchasing company for that of the purchased company.
Learning
The knowledge or skill received by instruction or study; acquired knowledge or ideas in any branch of science or literature; erudition; literature; science; as, he is a man of great learning.
Acquisition
The thing acquired or gained; an acquirement; a gain; as, learning is an acquisition.
Learning
The cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge;
The child's acquisition of language
Acquisition
The act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of something;
The acquisition of wealth
The acquisition of one company by another
Learning
Profound scholarly knowledge
Acquisition
Something acquired;
A recent acquisition by the museum
Learning
Generally requires effort and participation.
Active learning promotes better understanding.
Acquisition
The cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge;
The child's acquisition of language
Acquisition
An ability that has been acquired by training
Common Curiosities
What is learning?
Learning is the process of gaining knowledge or skills, usually requiring effort and active participation.
What is acquisition?
Acquisition usually means obtaining or gaining possession of something, often without conscious effort.
Is learning limited to educational settings?
No, learning can occur in various settings and throughout one's life.
Is acquisition specific to skills and knowledge?
No, acquisition can also refer to obtaining assets or entire companies.
Is learning always structured?
While not always, learning often involves a structured process with conscious effort.
Can acquisition happen unconsciously?
Yes, acquisition can occur without conscious awareness, such as acquiring a language as a child.
Is feedback important in learning?
Yes, feedback is often critical to the learning process for improvement and assessment.
Does learning always require effort?
Learning usually requires some level of active participation and effort.
Can you "own" what you learn?
Learning does not necessarily imply ownership in the way acquisition often does.
Can acquisition happen quickly?
Depending on the context, acquisition can occur rapidly or over a prolonged period.
Is acquisition only related to business?
No, acquisition is a broader term that can occur in various contexts, including language and skills.
Can acquisition occur without learning?
Yes, one can acquire things like assets without a learning process being involved.
Is learning the same as studying?
Studying is a form of learning but learning can also occur through experience and practice.
Is learning a lifelong process?
Many consider learning to be a lifelong endeavor.
Does acquisition involve feedback?
Not necessarily. Acquisition can be a more passive process and may not involve feedback.
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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.
