obtain

obtain — verb

1. to come to have something — for example a document, permission, or an item — thr

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to come to have something — for example a document, permission, or an item — through deliberate steps such as requesting it, paying for it, or earning it.

Example

Maya finally obtained a visa after eight months of paperwork.

obtain + noun (document)

The lawyer obtained copies of the contract from the city office.

obtain + noun + from + source

Common collocations
  • obtain a visa
  • obtain a licence
  • obtain permission
  • obtain a refund
  • obtain results
  • obtain information
  • obtain evidence
Synonyms
  • acquire

    similar formality; suggests gradual or purposeful gaining

  • get

    neutral and far more common in speech

  • secure

    stresses that the result was difficult or hard-won

  • procure

    very formal, often used in business or official supply contexts

Antonyms
  • lose

    to stop having what you previously had

  • forfeit

    to lose something as a penalty

Grammar Patterns

obtain + noun

obtain + noun + from + source

Usage Note

More formal than 'get'. Common with documents, permissions, results, materials, or information rather than everyday physical objects you simply pick up.

Common Mistakes

I obtained a sandwich for lunch.
I got a sandwich for lunch.
for casual everyday items, 'get' is the natural choice; 'obtain' sounds odd here.
She obtained the news from her friend.
She heard the news from her friend.' / 'She obtained the information from her friend.
'obtain' pairs with 'information' or 'data', not with 'news'.

2. of a rule, custom, or state of affairs, to be in force at a given time and place

2.verbintransitiveC2
Definition

of a rule, custom, or state of affairs, to be in force at a given time and place — the way things actually stand or apply.

Example

Different safety rules obtain in older mines than in modern ones.

subject is a rule or system

A strict dress code still obtains at the courthouse on Mondays.

Common collocations
  • conditions obtain
  • rules obtain
  • customs obtain
  • no longer obtain
  • still obtain
Synonyms
  • prevail

    more common; stresses being widespread or dominant

  • apply

    neutral; stresses that a rule covers a case

  • hold

    shorter and slightly less formal

Antonyms
  • lapse

    to stop being in force

Grammar Patterns

[situation/condition] + obtain

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense takes no object and has no human agent — the subject is a rule, custom, condition, or situation. Avoid the continuous form ('is obtaining').

Common Mistakes

These rules are obtaining in the school.
These rules obtain in the school.
this sense is not used in continuous tenses.
The committee obtains every Friday.
The committee meets every Friday.
'obtain' here cannot describe people gathering; the subject must be a rule or condition.

Word family

  • obtainable
    adjectiveC1
  • unobtainable
    adjectiveC1
  • obtainment
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All five verbs describe coming to have something, but they sit at very different points on the formality scale. 'Get' is the everyday workhorse and fits any object, from a sandwich to a degree. 'Obtain' is markedly more formal and pairs with documents, permissions, materials, or results — things you arrange for rather than simply pick up. 'Acquire' sits close to 'obtain' but emphasises a gradual build-up; you acquire skills, habits, or a collection over time. 'Secure' adds the flavour of effort against difficulty: you secure a deal after long talks, or secure a seat in a crowded train. 'Procure' is the most official, common in supply, military, or legal writing. So a student gets lunch, obtains a transcript, acquires fluency, secures a scholarship, and the army procures equipment.

obtain ↗getacquire ↗secure ↗procure

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • how to obtain
  • be obtained from
  • obtain access to
  • obtain a copy of

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Borrowed into late Middle English from Old French 'obtenir', which itself came from Latin 'obtinere' — built from 'ob-' (towards, against) and 'tenere' (to hold). The original Latin idea was 'to hold one's ground' or 'to take hold of', which over time narrowed to the modern sense of getting hold of something through effort. The intransitive 'be in force' meaning grew out of the 'hold' root: a rule that 'holds' is one that obtains.