Both can mean “to get” or “to acquire,” and in some situations can be used synonymously, but one or the other might be more appropriate depending on what is being acquired and how.

Definition of obtain verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

OBTAINING definition: 1. present participle of obtain 2. to get something, especially by asking for it, buying it…. Learn more.

1. to come into possession of; get, acquire, or procure, as through effort or request. 2. Obs. to attain or reach. 3. to be prevalent, customary, or in vogue: the morals that obtained in Rome. …

OBTAIN definition: to come into possession of; get, acquire, or procure, as through an effort or by a request. See examples of obtain used in a sentence.

To obtain something means to get it or achieve it. He was trying to obtain a false passport.

obtain meaning, definition, what is obtain: to get something that you want, especial...: Learn more.

Dec 14, 2025 · obtain (third-person singular simple present obtains, present participle obtaining, simple past and past participle obtained) (transitive) To get hold of; to gain possession of, to …

They've obtained [= acquired] the necessary permission to enter. These ideas no longer obtain for our generation. The drug is legally obtainable in this country.

Obtain means to get something that is not so easy to come by such as knowledge, rights, or a large amount of money. You wouldn't say you obtained a pair of pants, unless they were one …