Definition

1. Verb:
   • To gain or obtain something: To come into possession of something, whether concrete (an object) or abstract (a skill, knowledge, or trait).
   • To develop or come to have: To begin to possess a characteristic, feature, or quality over time, often through experience or natural process.

Usage and Examples

• To gain possession or obtain:
  • She managed to acquire a rare first edition of the book.
  • The company plans to acquire several smaller competitors this year.
• To gain knowledge or skill:
  • It takes years to acquire fluency in a foreign language.
  • He acquired a deep understanding of the subject through diligent study.
• To develop a characteristic:
  • He acquired a taste for classical music after attending several concerts.
  • The patient acquired a rash after starting the new medication.

Advanced Usage

• "to acquire oneself of" (archaic/formal): To discharge or free oneself from an obligation or duty.
  • He sought to acquire himself of the debt.
• In legal/business contexts: Often used to describe the act of buying or gaining control of an asset or company.
  • The merger allowed the firm to acquire significant market share.

Variants and Related Words

• Acquisition (n): The act of acquiring or something that is acquired.
  • The museum's latest acquisition is a priceless painting.
• Acquired (adj): Gained through effort or experience, not innate.
  • An acquired immunity to the disease.
• Acquirer (n): A person or entity that acquires something.
  • The acquirer of the property remained anonymous.

Synonyms

• Obtain: To get or secure something.
• Gain: To obtain something desired, especially over time.
• Attain: To achieve or reach a goal through effort.
• Procure: To obtain something, especially with care or effort.

Phrasal Verbs / Common Constructions

• Acquire from: To obtain something from a specific source.
  • I acquired this habit from my grandmother.
• Acquire through: To gain something as a result of a specific means or process.
  • She acquired her wealth through wise investments.

Related Idioms

• An acquired taste: Something one learns to like over time after initially not enjoying it.
  • Olives are an acquired taste for many people.

Verb

1. 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
2. gain knowledge or skills
   • She learned dancing from her sister
   • I learned Sanskrit
   • Children acquire language at an amazing rate
3. win something through one's efforts
   • I acquired a passing knowledge of Chinese
   • Gain an understanding of international finance
4. locate (a moving entity) by means of a tracking system such as radar
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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