What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
acquire
Example
I need to acquire more information before making a decision. [acquire: verb]
Example
She acquired a new skill after attending a workshop. [acquired: past tense verb]
secure
Example
We need to secure our valuables before leaving the house. [secure: verb]
Example
The company secured a new contract with their client. [secured: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Acquire is more commonly used than secure in everyday language. Acquire is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while secure is less common and refers to a specific type of obtaining.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between acquire and secure?
Both acquire and secure can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, acquire is more commonly used in business or academic contexts, while secure is more commonly used in security or safety contexts.