acquire
Definitions
To obtain or come to possess something through effort, purchase, or over time
获得，取得（通过努力、购买或日积月累）
To gain a skill, habit, or quality, usually gradually
习得，养成（技能、习惯或特质，通常是逐渐地）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedac- (a form of ad-, 'toward') + quire (from quaerere, 'seek') = to seek toward yourself, hence to get and keep. It covers both physical getting (acquire a company) and gradual gaining (acquire a skill, an accent, a taste).
Root quir still carries 8 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.acquire knowledge获得知识
- 2.acquire a skill习得技能
- 3.acquire a company收购公司
- 4.acquire a taste for渐渐喜欢上
Example Sentences
- 1.
The company acquired three smaller rivals last year.
- 2.
Children acquire language astonishingly fast.
- 3.
Over the years she acquired a taste for strong coffee.
Easily Confused
acquire vs obtain vs gain — All mean 'come to have,' but acquire often implies gradual gathering or formal purchase (acquire a skill, acquire a firm). obtain is the neutral, slightly formal 'get' for a specific item, usually with effort (obtain a visa, obtain permission). gain stresses an increase or advantage (gain weight, gain experience, gain an advantage).