obtain
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To get, acquire, or secure something, usually through effort or a process.
To be valid, customary, or prevalent in a particular context (often formal).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies active effort or intentionality in acquisition. In its second meaning (to be in effect), it functions as a stative verb and is more formal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb is used similarly. The second meaning ('to be in effect') is more common in British English in formal/legal contexts. 'Obtain' can sound slightly more formal in American English compared to 'get'.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes formality and deliberate acquisition. Neutral or slightly elevated register.
Frequency
More frequent in formal writing in both varieties. In everyday speech, synonyms like 'get' are more common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
(transitive) She obtained the necessary documents.(intransitive, formal) Different rules obtain in different countries.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with 'obtain']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for acquiring resources, funding, permissions, or data (e.g., 'We need to obtain shareholder approval').
Academic
Common in research contexts for describing data collection, results, or permissions (e.g., 'The study obtained ethical clearance').
Everyday
Less common than 'get'. Used for official or important items (e.g., 'I need to obtain a new passport').
Technical
Used in legal, scientific, and procedural contexts (e.g., 'The algorithm obtains data from multiple sources').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You must obtain a licence to drive.
- These conditions no longer obtain in modern Britain.
American English
- You need to obtain a permit for that.
- Different laws obtain in each state.
adverb
British English
- [Obtain is not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Obtain is not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- [Obtain is not used as an adjective.]
American English
- [Obtain is not used as an adjective.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need to obtain a library card.
- She obtained a new book.
- He obtained permission from his boss to leave early.
- It is difficult to obtain fresh fruit in winter.
- The researchers obtained their data from a national survey.
- You can obtain the form from the government website.
- The lawyer obtained a crucial piece of evidence for the defence.
- A state of equilibrium obtains in the system under these conditions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TAINted (tain) glass of water. You have to OBserve carefully and work to OBTAIN a clean glass.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACQUISITION IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'the path to obtaining a degree'), POSSESSION IS HOLDING (obtained = secured in hand).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'to contain' (содержать).
- In formal contexts, Russian 'получать' can be 'receive', which is more passive than the active 'obtain'.
- Avoid using 'obtain' for simple, everyday 'getting' (use 'get').
Common Mistakes
- Using it for simple, informal acquisition (e.g., 'I'll obtain some milk from the shop' - too formal).
- Confusing it with 'attain' (which is for abstract goals like status or a level).
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ɒbˈteɪn/ (the first syllable is a schwa).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'obtain' used in its more formal, intransitive sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Obtain' is more formal and often implies a deliberate effort or a formal process. 'Get' is neutral and universal.
Yes, but this is a formal usage meaning 'to be in effect' or 'to prevail' (e.g., 'The old rules no longer obtain'). It is less common.
Using it in place of 'get' in informal, conversational contexts, which sounds unnatural and overly formal.
Yes, 'obtainment' exists but is very rare. The gerund 'obtaining' is commonly used (e.g., 'the obtaining of evidence').