obtain
gb/əbtˈeɪn/ us/əbtˈeɪn/
B1
English
~ 900
megszerez, beszerez, hozzájut
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to obtain [something]
She managed to obtain permission from the city council.
Sikerült engedélyt szereznie a városi tanácstól.
You must obtain a ticket before entering the museum.
A múzeumba való belépés előtt jegyet kell váltanod.
The scientist obtained reliable data from the experiment.
He obtained his degree after years of study.
They obtained the necessary documents to travel abroad.
Learner examples
I need to obtain a map of the city.
Be kell szereznem egy térképet a városról.
You can obtain help from the teacher.
Segítséget kérhetsz a tanártól.
She obtained a job in the company.
We obtained food from the market.
He obtained a new phone last week.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'obtain' in casual conversation where 'get' would be more natural; 'obtain' is more common in formal or written contexts.
Meaning
Get something by effort
Collocations
obtain permission
|obtain information
|obtain results
|obtain a visa
|obtain approval
Synonyms
acquire (Often interchangeable, but 'acquire' can sound slightly more formal or imply a process of gaining over time.)
|
get (More informal and general; 'obtain' is more formal and deliberate.)
Antonyms
lose (The opposite in the sense of no longer having something you had obtained.)
|
forfeit (To give up something, often as a penalty, contrasting with obtaining it.)
Themes
business
|daily life
|law
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Definition
To get something, usually by working for it, asking for it, or following a process.
To acquire or secure something, especially by making an effort, asking, or through a process.
Grammar
Dictionary form
obtain
IPA
GB/əbtˈeɪn/
US/əbtˈeɪn/
Syllables & stress
ob - tain (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tain)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: obtain
- 3rd Person Singular: obtains
- Present Participle: obtaining
- Past: obtained
Word family
Forms
obtains
verb
obtaining
verb
obtained
verb
Core family
obtainable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unobtainable
adjective
Expressions
obtain a visa
1/əbtˈeɪn ə vˈizə/
fixed phrase
Get travel document for entry
To get an official stamp or paper that lets you enter another country.
Examples
- You must obtain a visa before traveling to that country.
- They obtained visas for their trip to Japan.
obtain approval
1/əbtˈeɪn əpɹˈuvəl/
fixed phrase
Get agreement from authority
To get someone in power to agree with your plan or idea.
Examples
- We need to obtain approval from the board before starting the project.
- She obtained approval for her research proposal.
obtain information
1/əbtˈeɪn ˌɪnfɔɹmˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Get facts or knowledge
To get facts, details, or knowledge from a place or person.
Examples
- The police obtained information about the suspect from witnesses.
- You can obtain information about the course online.
obtain permission
1/əbtˈeɪn pɚmˈɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Get official approval
To get approval from someone in authority before doing something.
Examples
- You must obtain permission before filming in this location.
- She obtained permission from her parents to go on the trip.
obtain results
1/əbtˈeɪn ɹɪzˈʌlts/
fixed phrase
Get outcomes from effort
To get measurable effects or answers after doing something.
Examples
- The team obtained excellent results from their research.
- We need to obtain results quickly to meet the deadline.