ACQUIRE

Definition of ACQUIRE

ACQUIRE Verb

Acquire is a verb that refers to the act of obtaining, gaining, or coming into possession of something, whether through effort, purchase, learning, or other means. It is often used in contexts involving the acquisition of knowledge, skills, possessions, or assets.

Obtaining Possessions: The most common use of acquire refers to gaining physical items or property, either through purchase, inheritance, or other means. For instance, one might acquire a new car, a house, or a rare artifact. “He was able to acquire the land after a lengthy negotiation.” This sense of the word often involves a transactional process, such as buying or exchanging goods.

Learning and Skill Development: Acquire can also refer to the process of gaining knowledge, skills, or abilities. For example, individuals acquire language skills through education and practice or acquire expertise in a particular field through experience and study. “She worked hard to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in her profession.”

Cultural and Emotional Acquisition: In a broader sense, acquire can also apply to acquiring cultural knowledge, habits, or even emotional traits. People may acquire social behaviors through interaction with others or develop habits and attitudes through life experiences. “Over time, he began to acquire a sense of responsibility.”

Business and Economic Contexts: In business, acquire often refers to the process of one company purchasing or taking control of another. Companies frequently engage in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), acquiring competitors or complementary businesses. “The corporation plans to acquire several smaller startups to expand its market presence.”

In Legal and Property Terms: In legal contexts, acquire is used to describe the transfer of ownership or possession of rights, assets, or land, often through legal means such as contracts or inheritance. “Under the terms of the contract, the company will acquire the intellectual property rights.”

Psychological and Personal Growth: On a psychological level, acquire can refer to the process of gaining habits, traits, or personality attributes over time. For example, people acquire resilience, patience, or confidence as they navigate different life experiences. “She slowly began to acquire a sense of self-confidence after years of self-doubt.”

Acquire is a versatile verb that covers a wide range of actions related to obtaining, gaining, or coming into possession of something. It can refer to the physical act of obtaining possessions, the intellectual process of learning and developing skills, or the emotional and personal growth that occurs over time. Whether in the context of business, education, or personal experience, acquire signifies the attainment or accumulation of something valuable.

Examples of ACQUIRE in a sentence

• She was eager to acquire new skills to advance in her career, enrolling in multiple online courses.
• The company plans to acquire a smaller competitor to expand its market share.
• After years of hard work, he was able to acquire enough savings to buy his first home.
• The museum aims to acquire rare artifacts to enhance its historical collection.
• He worked tirelessly to acquire the knowledge needed to pass the rigorous exam.
• They hoped to acquire the land to build a new community center for the neighborhood.
• It took years of dedication for the artist to acquire the techniques that made his work unique.
• She managed to acquire exclusive rights to the product, giving her a competitive edge in the market.

Origin of ACQUIRE

The term acquire has an etymology focused on the process of gaining or obtaining something through effort, action, or circumstance.

• Etymological Roots: Acquire comes from the Latin verb “acquirere,” which is formed from “ad-” (meaning “toward”) and “quaerere” (meaning “to seek” or “to ask”). The verb “acquire” essentially means “to seek toward” or “to gain.” It entered Middle English through Old French, retaining the meaning of obtaining or gaining something through effort or acquisition.
• Historical Development: The use of acquire in English dates back to the 14th century, where it was primarily used in the context of obtaining or gaining something, especially in a material or legal sense. During this time, it was common to describe the act of acquiring property or wealth. By the 16th century, acquire was also used more figuratively to describe gaining abstract things, such as knowledge, skills, or habits, through experience, effort, or learning. As societies became more complex, the concept of acquiring expanded to cover anything attained through effort, whether material or immaterial.
• Cultural and Linguistic Evolution: The concept of acquire grew in importance as economies and systems of trade developed, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, when the idea of acquiring wealth, land, or social status became central to many societal structures. The term also began to take on a more intellectual or educational tone, referring to the act of acquiring knowledge, learning, or even social skills. By the 19th and 20th centuries, acquire was widely used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the gaining of something, whether physical (e.g., acquiring property) or intellectual (e.g., acquiring expertise or understanding).
• Current Usage: Today, acquire is commonly used to describe the act of gaining, obtaining, or coming into possession of something, whether through purchase, effort, learning, or circumstance. It can refer to tangible things, like acquiring assets or property, or intangible things, like acquiring skills, knowledge, or a reputation. The term is widely used in business, legal, educational, and everyday contexts, and it conveys the sense of intentionally seeking or earning something over time.

The term acquire has evolved from its origins in seeking or gaining something toward a broader, more generalized understanding of gaining or obtaining something through various means, from physical acquisition to intellectual or social growth.