obtain
verb OPAL W
/əbˈteɪn/
/əbˈteɪn/
(formal)Verb Forms
| present simple I / you / we / they obtain | /əbˈteɪn/ /əbˈteɪn/ |
| he / she / it obtains | /əbˈteɪnz/ /əbˈteɪnz/ |
| past simple obtained | /əbˈteɪnd/ /əbˈteɪnd/ |
| past participle obtained | /əbˈteɪnd/ /əbˈteɪnd/ |
| -ing form obtaining | /əbˈteɪnɪŋ/ /əbˈteɪnɪŋ/ |
- [transitive] obtain something to get something, especially by making an effort
- to obtain information/data/results
- I've been trying to obtain permission to publish this material.
- I finally managed to obtain a copy of the report.
- Further details can be obtained by writing to the above address.
- To obtain the overall score, add up the totals in each column.
Extra Examples- It is necessary to obtain the patients' consent.
- Financial information was difficult to obtain.
- Such information is easily obtained from the internet.
- The company claims to have obtained its database of names by legitimate means.
- The local authority may assist you to obtain alternative accommodation.
- Soil preparation is critical for obtaining good results.
- Data were obtained from 170 students who enrolled in the course.
- He has close links to drug corporations, according to documents obtained by The Observer.
- The investor sought and obtained planning permission.
- Financing was obtained through a local lender.
- She pretended to be ill in order to obtain hospital treatment.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb- fraudulently
- illegally
- unlawfully
- …
- be able to
- be unable to
- attempt to
- …
- by
- from
- be easily obtained
- be readily obtained
- something can be obtained
- …
- [intransitive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (of rules, systems, customs, etc.) to exist synonym apply
- These conditions no longer obtain.
Word Originlate Middle English: from Old French obtenir, from Latin obtinere ‘obtain, gain’.