to obtain or get something, especially something that is difficult to get, to gain a new skill, ability, or quality

acquire a company, acquire a reputation, acquire a habit

Formal and Informal Expressions of acquire

In different contexts, you can replace 'acquire' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'obtain, procure' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'get, pick up' is a commonplace synonym.

acquire: Explore its Definition & Usage

acquire Definition

1to obtain or get something, especially something that is difficult to get
2to gain a new skill, ability, or quality

Using acquire: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "acquire" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The company has acquired several new businesses in the past year.
Example
He acquired a taste for spicy food while traveling in India.
Example
She acquired a new language through immersion.
Example
The painting was acquired by the museum in 1999.

acquire Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for acquire

Antonyms for acquire

Phrases with acquire

acquire a company
to buy or take over a company
Example
The tech giant acquired the startup for $1 billion.
acquire a reputation
to become known for a particular quality or characteristic
Example
The restaurant has acquired a reputation for its excellent seafood.
acquire a habit
to develop a regular pattern of behavior
Example
He acquired the habit of going for a run every morning.

Origins of acquire

from Latin 'acquirere', from 'ad-' (to) + 'quaerere' (seek)

📌

Summary: acquire in Brief

'Acquire' [əˈkwaɪə(r)] means to obtain something that is difficult to get or gain a new skill, ability, or quality. It can refer to buying or taking over a company, becoming known for a particular quality or characteristic, or developing a regular pattern of behavior. Examples include 'The company has acquired several new businesses in the past year' and 'He acquired a taste for spicy food while traveling in India.'