Dictionary
English - French

Obtain

əbˈteɪn
Extremely common
800 - 900
800 - 900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Obtenir, Acquérir, Recevoir, Se procurer

Obtain meanings in French

Obtenir

Example:
I need to obtain a visa for my trip.
J'ai besoin d'obtenir un visa pour mon voyage.
She managed to obtain the necessary documents.
Elle a réussi à obtenir les documents nécessaires.
Usage: FormalContext: Used in official or bureaucratic situations, such as acquiring documents, permissions, or rights.
Note: Often implies a process that requires effort or is subject to rules.

Acquérir

Example:
He wants to obtain new skills through training.
Il veut acquérir de nouvelles compétences grâce à une formation.
They obtained knowledge from various sources.
Ils ont acquis des connaissances de diverses sources.
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Can refer to gaining knowledge, skills, or items, often through effort or study.
Note: More commonly used in contexts of learning or personal development.

Recevoir

Example:
I obtained a letter from the university.
J'ai reçu une lettre de l'université.
We obtained the package yesterday.
Nous avons reçu le colis hier.
Usage: InformalContext: Used in everyday situations where something is received or acquired.
Note: This meaning is less about effort and more about receiving something that was sent or delivered.

Se procurer

Example:
I need to obtain a new phone.
J'ai besoin de me procurer un nouveau téléphone.
They obtained tickets for the concert.
Ils se sont procuré des billets pour le concert.
Usage: InformalContext: Used in casual conversation when talking about getting or acquiring items.
Note: Often implies a more casual or personal approach to acquiring something.

Obtain's synonyms

Acquire

To acquire means to gain possession or control of something through effort or purchase.
Example: She acquired a new skill after attending the workshop.
Note: Acquire implies a process of gaining or obtaining something, often through intentional action.

Secure

To secure means to obtain or achieve something with effort, often to make it safe or certain.
Example: He secured a job at the company after a successful interview.
Note: Secure emphasizes the idea of making something safe or certain after obtaining it.

Attain

To attain means to achieve or accomplish something, often after effort or striving.
Example: She finally attained her dream of becoming a published author.
Note: Attain focuses on reaching a goal or target through effort or skill.

Gain

To gain means to get or acquire something, especially over time or through effort.
Example: He gained valuable experience during his internship.
Note: Gain suggests an increase or improvement in a person's possession or understanding.

Obtain expressions, common phrases

Obtain information

To acquire or get hold of information through various means.
Example: I need to obtain more information before making a decision.
Note: While 'obtain' refers to acquiring something, 'obtain information' specifically points to acquiring knowledge or data.

Obtain a degree

To successfully achieve or receive a degree or qualification after completing the necessary requirements.
Example: She worked hard to obtain a degree in psychology.
Note: In this context, 'obtain' emphasizes achieving a specific academic milestone.

Obtain permission

To get official approval or consent to do something.
Example: You must obtain permission before entering the restricted area.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the act of acquiring authorization or consent for a particular action.

Obtain a copy

To acquire a duplicate or reproduction of a document, file, or item.
Example: Please obtain a copy of the report for your records.
Note: In this case, 'obtain' focuses on acquiring a specific duplicate or replica of something.

Obtain a permit

To secure a formal document or license that allows a person or entity to engage in a specific activity.
Example: Before starting construction, make sure to obtain a permit from the local authorities.
Note: This phrase highlights the process of acquiring an official document granting permission for a particular action or project.

Obtain a visa

To receive official documentation that grants entry or permission to stay in a foreign country for a specific purpose.
Example: He needs to obtain a visa before traveling to the foreign country.
Note: The focus here is on acquiring the necessary documentation for legal entry into another country.

Obtain funding

To secure financial support or resources for a specific purpose or project.
Example: The organization was able to obtain funding for their new project.
Note: In this context, 'obtain' emphasizes the successful acquisition of financial resources or backing.

Obtain everyday (slang) expressions

Get hold of

To obtain something, typically implying making an effort to acquire it or locate it.
Example: I'll try to get hold of that document for you by tomorrow.
Note: This term conveys a sense of physically obtaining something or making it accessible.

Snag

To obtain or secure something, often quickly or unexpectedly.
Example: I managed to snag a ticket to the concert tonight!
Note: This term suggests obtaining something by seizing an opportunity or advantage.

Grab

To quickly and casually obtain something, usually implying a simple or immediate action.
Example: Can you grab me a drink when you're up?
Note: This term implies a swift and informal way of obtaining something, often without much formality.

Score

To obtain something desirable, especially something that was not easily accessible or at a good price.
Example: I managed to score a great deal on this jacket.
Note: This term often implies getting something valuable or advantageous.

Snatch up

To quickly grab or obtain something before others can do so.
Example: I need to snatch up those concert tickets before they sell out.
Note: This term suggests a rapid and assertive action in obtaining something in high demand.

Bag

To succeed in obtaining something after striving for it.
Example: I finally bagged that promotion I've been working towards.
Note: This term implies achieving a long-term goal or accomplishment.

Obtain - Examples

It took months to obtain the necessary permits to build the new facility.
Il a fallu des mois pour obtenir les permis nécessaires à la construction de la nouvelle installation.

Obtain grammar

Obtain - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: obtain
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): obtained
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): obtaining
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): obtains
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): obtain
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): obtain
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Obtain Contains 2 syllables: ob • tain
Phonetic transcription: əb-ˈtān
ob tain , əb ˈtān (The red syllable is stressed)

Obtain - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Obtain: 800 - 900 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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