What is the Difference Between Acquire and Obtain?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The words "acquire" and "obtain" are near-synonyms, but they have some subtle differences in their meanings and usage:
- Acquire: This verb means to gain possession of something or to learn and develop a skill, habit, or quality. It implies a more active process of gaining knowledge or skills through effort or experience. For example, acquiring a new language through learning and practice.
- Obtain: This verb means to get or gain something, usually by effort. It refers to the act of receiving something and implies a more passive acquisition. For example, obtaining a document by requesting it from a government office.
In some cases, both words can be used interchangeably, but there are instances where only one of them is appropriate. The choice between "acquire" and "obtain" may depend on the specific context and the emphasis you want to place on the process of gaining something or the end result.
Comparative Table: Acquire vs Obtain
The main difference between "acquire" and "obtain" lies in the implied method of getting something. Here is a table outlining the differences:
| Acquire | Obtain |
|---|---|
| Refers to gaining possession of/buying an object or an asset, or learning/developing a skill, habit, or quality | Refers to gaining or attaining something, usually by effort or planned action |
| Implies a more active acquisition | Implies a more passive acquisition |
| Can be used to describe the development of new skills, habits, or qualities | Does not have this meaning |
| In medical terminology, "acquired" is used to describe a disease or condition that a person has developed | In medical terminology, "obtained" is often used to describe the process of obtaining a sample for testing or analysis |
While both words can be used as synonyms in certain instances, "acquire" generally implies a more active and intentional process, whereas "obtain" implies a more passive and effort-based process.
Read more:
- Obtain vs Attain
- Acquire vs Procure
- Learning vs Acquisition
- Acquisition vs Procurement
- Merger vs Acquisition
- Have vs Get
- Take vs Get
- Purchase vs Buy
- Attain vs Attend
- Takeover vs Acquisition
- Language Acquisition vs Language Learning
- Purchase vs Acquisition (Method of Accounting)
- Amalgamation vs Acquisition
- Use vs Utilize
- Accomplishment vs Achievement
- Achievement vs Attainment
- Purchase vs Procurement
- Brought vs Bought
- Profit vs Gain