acquire meaning and definition

ACQUIRE verb

Definition of acquire (verb)

1. 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"
   • synonyms: get
2. 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"
   • synonyms: adopt, assume, take, take on
3. 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"
   • synonyms: develop, get, grow, produce
4. locate (a moving entity) by means of a tracking system such as radar
5. win something through one's efforts
   • "I acquired a passing knowledge of Chinese"; "Gain an understanding of international finance"
   • synonyms: gain, win
   • antonym: lose
6. gain knowledge or skills
   • "She learned dancing from her sister"; "I learned Sanskrit"; "Children acquire language at an amazing rate"
   • synonyms: larn, learn
7. 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"
   • synonyms: develop, evolve