acquisition
C1Formal, Business, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The act of gaining possession, obtaining, or learning something.
A specific thing or asset that has been obtained, especially a company bought by another company or a valuable skill that has been learned.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a process that requires effort, negotiation, or a formal procedure. In business contexts, it specifically refers to corporate takeovers. Can denote both the action and the resulting object.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In business contexts, 'takeover' is more common in UK English as a near-synonym for 'acquisition', but 'acquisition' is the standard formal term. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes strategy and added value. Slightly more technical/formal in everyday US English.
Frequency
High frequency in business and academic registers in both varieties. Slightly more prevalent in UK business media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
acquisition of [something]acquisition by [someone/something]acquisition for [purpose]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A feather in one's cap (related to a prized acquisition)”
- “To add to one's arsenal (for skill/knowledge acquisition)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company announced a major acquisition to expand its market share.
Academic
Research focused on second language acquisition in young adults.
Everyday
Her latest acquisition was a vintage record player.
Technical
The sensor is responsible for the data acquisition phase.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The firm aims to acquire three smaller competitors.
- She acquired a taste for olives while living abroad.
American English
- The tech giant moved to acquire the startup.
- He acquired the property through a bank auction.
adverb
British English
- The company grew acquisitively over the decade.
- He looked at the collection acquisitively.
American English
- They expanded acquisitively into new markets.
- She eyed the artwork acquisitively.
adjective
British English
- The acquisitional strategy was deemed too aggressive.
- His acquisitive nature was well known.
American English
- The company's acquisitive growth led to antitrust concerns.
- She has an acquisitive mind for facts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My latest acquisition is a new bicycle.
- Language acquisition is easier for children.
- The museum's new acquisition is a famous painting.
- The acquisition of basic computer skills is essential.
- The firm financed the acquisition through a mix of cash and shares.
- His acquisition of the local dialect impressed everyone.
- The hostile acquisition bid was rejected by the board on strategic grounds.
- The study critiques theories of first language acquisition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ACQUIRE + ACTION. An 'acquisition' is the noun form of the action 'to acquire'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACQUISITION IS CAPTURE (e.g., 'the company was acquired'), ACQUISITION IS ADDING TO A COLLECTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'acquisition' as 'akvizitsiya' in non-business contexts. In Russian, 'akvizitsiya' is a business loanword; for other meanings, use 'priobreteniye', 'polucheniye', or 'usvoyeniye' (for knowledge).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'acquisition' for simple, informal purchases (e.g., 'I made an acquisition at the shop' sounds overly formal). Confusing 'acquisition' with 'requisition' (a formal demand).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'acquisition' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Acquisition' is more formal and often implies a significant, strategic, or valuable obtainment. 'Purchase' is the general term for buying something with money.
Yes, particularly in linguistics and psychology (e.g., 'language acquisition'), it refers to the process of gaining knowledge or skills.
Not always. In business, a 'bad acquisition' can harm a company. Context defines its value connotation.
The verb is 'to acquire'. 'Acquisition' is the noun describing the act or result of acquiring.
Collections
Part of a collection
Business Vocabulary
B1 · 50 words · Fundamental language of commerce and trade.
Innovation
B2 · 46 words · Language of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Advanced Business English
C1 · 43 words · Sophisticated language for business and finance.
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