procure
C1formal, official, legal, business
Definition
Meaning
To obtain something, especially with care, effort, or special means.
To bring about or cause something to happen, often through illicit or underhanded means; to secure the services of someone, especially in a sexual context (archaic/euphemistic).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a formal or official process of acquisition, especially for goods/services in a business or government context. Can carry a negative connotation of obtaining something by dubious or unscrupulous methods.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English in formal/government contexts (e.g., 'procurement department'). In American English, 'obtain', 'acquire', or 'purchase' are more frequent in general use, but 'procure' remains strong in legal, military, and corporate jargon.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word is formal. The negative connotation (obtaining something illicit) is understood but context-dependent. The archaic euphemistic meaning ('to pander') is recognized but rarely used in modern contexts.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, particularly in public sector and corporate language. In US English, it is a high-register word with specific professional domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
procure something (for somebody)procure somebody somethingprocure something from somebody/somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(archaic) To procure a wife/husband”
- “Procurer of pleasure (archaic/euphemistic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The department is responsible for procuring IT equipment for the entire company.
Academic
The researcher had to procure rare manuscripts from several international archives.
Everyday
It was difficult to procure tickets for the concert at such short notice.
Technical
The software includes modules for automated procurement and supply chain management.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council must procure three independent valuations.
- He was accused of trying to procure confidential documents.
American English
- The army procured new helicopters from the manufacturer.
- She procured a rare first edition from a dealer in Boston.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form in common use)
American English
- (No standard adverb form in common use)
adjective
British English
- The procurable evidence was presented to the committee. (rare)
American English
- The procurable parts were listed in the catalog. (rare)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The company will procure new computers next year.
- Can you procure a map for our trip?
- Our team is tasked with procuring essential supplies for the expedition.
- He managed to procure an invitation to the exclusive event.
- The legislation outlines strict rules for how government agencies must procure services.
- Despite the embargo, they illicitly procured the sensitive technology.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROfessional who is seCURE in his job because he knows how to PROCURE (obtain) all the necessary resources.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBTAINING IS ACHIEVING A GOAL (through a planned journey/process).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'прокуратура' (prosecutor's office). The Russian verb 'закупать' or 'приобретать' (особенно официально) is closer.
- Avoid using it as a direct synonym for simple 'get' ('получить') in informal contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in casual speech where 'get' or 'buy' is more appropriate (e.g., 'I'll procure some milk' sounds odd).
- Misspelling as 'procur' or 'proccure'.
- Confusing it with 'proceed'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'procure' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Procure' is more formal and emphasizes the process of obtaining, which may involve searching, negotiating, or arranging, not just the financial transaction. 'Buy' focuses on the purchase.
No. Its primary meaning is neutral/formal ('to obtain'). A negative connotation ('obtain illicitly') is possible but depends entirely on context (e.g., 'procure drugs', 'procure a false passport').
The main noun is 'procurement', meaning the action of obtaining or the process/Department responsible for it. 'Procurer' is a person who procures, often with the archaic negative connotation related to prostitution.
Yes, it can be used with abstract nouns like 'support', 'permission', 'assistance', or 'information', especially when effort is involved (e.g., 'procure his consent').