ACQUIRED

Definition of ACQUIRED

ACQUIRED Adjective and Verb

Acquired is an adjective and past participle form of the verb “acquire.” It refers to something that has been obtained or gained, typically through effort, experience, or learning. When something is described as acquired, it indicates that it was not innate or inherent but developed or gained over time.

ACQUIRED as a verb

The Act of Gaining or Obtaining Something: As the past participle of the verb “acquire,” acquired refers to the process of obtaining something, whether it be skills, property, knowledge, or other items. “She has acquired the necessary qualifications to start the new job,” illustrates how an individual can gain or achieve something, often through intentional effort or investment. The verb emphasizes active participation in obtaining something, implying that the object or quality was once not present but was later gained.

ACQUIRED as an adjective

Gained or Developed Over Time: As an adjective, acquired describes something that has been obtained or developed after a period of time or effort. “He has many acquired skills in digital marketing,” highlights the idea that these skills were not innate but were learned through experience, education, or practice. In this context, acquired emphasizes the distinction between natural or inborn qualities and those that are developed or gained through external influences.

Acquired Traits and Characteristics: Acquired is commonly used to describe traits or characteristics that individuals gain as a result of experience or environmental factors, rather than being genetically inherited. For instance, “The disease can lead to acquired immunodeficiency,” refers to a condition that is developed due to external factors, such as infection or exposure, rather than inherited through genetics. This highlights the role of life experiences in shaping certain characteristics.

Acquired Knowledge and Skills: A key use of acquired involves describing knowledge, expertise, or skills that are gained over time. “The engineer acquired a deep understanding of computer systems over several years,” shows how knowledge can be gained gradually through study, practice, or exposure to specific fields or experiences. Acquired knowledge is often contrasted with innate talent, suggesting that the expertise has been earned rather than being a natural gift.

Acquired vs. Inherited: The distinction between acquired and inherited is significant in many fields, particularly in biology and psychology. Acquired traits, such as language skills or social behaviors, are learned through interaction and experience. “Language is an acquired skill,” contrasts with the idea that genetic traits, such as eye color, are inherited. This differentiation helps in understanding human development and the influence of the environment.

Cultural and Behavioral Perspectives: In social and cultural contexts, the term acquired is often used to describe habits, beliefs, or behaviors that individuals pick up through exposure to their environment or social groups. “Certain cultural practices are acquired through familial or societal influences,” shows how individuals adopt values, customs, and norms as they interact with others. In this sense, acquired reflects the shaping of identity and behavior through external forces.

In conclusion, acquired refers to something obtained or developed over time, typically through effort, experience, or learning. Whether describing knowledge, skills, or traits, the term underscores the distinction between inherent qualities and those gained through external influence. By acquiring new abilities or understanding, individuals continuously shape and enhance their personal and professional lives, emphasizing the importance of growth and development.

Examples of ACQUIRED in a sentence

ACQUIRED as a verb in a sentence

• After much effort, she acquired a deep understanding of quantum physics, impressing her professors.
• The company acquired several smaller businesses to strengthen its position in the market.
• He acquired a taste for spicy food during his travels in Thailand and now enjoys it regularly.
• Through years of practice, the musician acquired the skills needed to play the piano beautifully.
• They acquired the necessary permits to begin construction on the new building.
• Over the course of the project, she acquired invaluable experience in project management.
• After the auction, he acquired a rare painting that had been on his wish list for years.
• By reading extensively, he acquired a wealth of knowledge on the subject of history.

ACQUIRED as an adjective in a sentence

• The acquired skills from his time abroad gave him a unique perspective on the job market.
• His acquired taste for gourmet coffee made him appreciate its complex flavors.
• The artist’s acquired technique was evident in the intricate details of his latest painting.
• After years of working in the field, she had acquired a level of expertise that set her apart.
• The acquired knowledge from the training program helped the team improve their productivity.
• He had an acquired ability to stay calm under pressure, a skill developed over many years of experience.
• The acquired habits from his childhood were hard to break, even as an adult.
• The acquired traits of the species helped it adapt to the changing environment.

Origin of ACQUIRED

The term acquired has an etymology that revolves around the concept of gaining, obtaining, or receiving something through effort or circumstances.

• Etymological Roots: Acquired comes from the verb acquire, which is derived from the Latin “acquirere,” meaning “to obtain” or “to gain,” formed from “ad-” (toward) and “quaerere” (to seek or ask). The verb acquire entered Middle English through Old French and retained the meaning of obtaining something, whether through effort, purchase, or circumstance. The suffix “-ed” turns the verb into the past participle, indicating something that has been gained or obtained.
• Historical Development: The use of acquired in English dates back to the late Middle Ages, initially used to describe something gained, usually in the context of property, wealth, or status. Over time, acquired became more generalized to describe anything obtained through effort, learning, or experience. By the 17th century, the term was used in broader contexts, such as describing acquired knowledge or skills. As the understanding of human development and psychology expanded, acquired began to describe qualities, traits, or conditions that were developed or obtained through experience or external factors, such as “acquired taste” or “acquired immunity.”
• Cultural and Linguistic Evolution: As the concept of acquiring became more linked to both tangible and intangible possessions, the term acquired grew in prominence across various fields. In the 19th and 20th centuries, acquired began to be used more widely in medical, psychological, and social contexts. For example, the phrase “acquired immunity” referred to immunity gained through exposure to diseases, and “acquired traits” became a concept in discussions of genetics and inheritance. Additionally, in the context of social and economic status, acquired began to describe wealth, property, or positions gained through effort or circumstances rather than inheritance.
• Current Usage: Today, acquired is commonly used to describe something obtained through effort, experience, or external influence. It can refer to material things, such as property or assets, or intangible qualities like knowledge, skills, or traits. The term is also widely used in specialized fields, such as medicine, psychology, and business, where it can describe things like acquired characteristics, acquired diseases, or acquired abilities. For instance, “acquired taste” refers to a preference that develops over time, and “acquired immune deficiency syndrome” (AIDS) refers to a disease acquired through exposure to HIV.

The term acquired has evolved from its original meaning of gaining or obtaining to encompass a broader range of experiences and outcomes, reflecting how something can be attained through action, influence, or exposure.