What does obtain mean?
Obtain means to get or acquire something, particularly by making an effort, following a process, or using formal arrangements. A person may obtain permission, a copy, a scholarship, or a result, while an organization may obtain approval or access to information. The word is common in legal, academic, and professional writing, where it conveys a neutral and often deliberate action; in casual conversation, get is usually more natural. Obtain can also describe something becoming available or achievable through a particular process, as in obtaining access to records or obtaining agreement among participants. Although it is sometimes confused with attain, obtain focuses more directly on acquiring something, while attain often suggests reaching a goal or achieving a result. Obtain is a familiar formal verb with a long history and a broad range of established uses.
verbTo get or secure something, especially by making an effort or using appropriate means. It can also mean to exist or be gained in a particular way.
- To get or acquire something, especially through effort, application, or formal procedures.
- To come into existence or be gained by a particular action or process.
- To achieve or reach a specified result, status, or level.
"The scholarship enabled the student to obtain the training she needed."
"Applicants must obtain written consent before entering the study area."
"The researchers obtained a clearer picture of the site after reviewing the newly available records."
"The committee obtained agreement on the proposal after a lengthy discussion."
Obtain comes from a Latin word meaning “to get hold of,” so the word carries the idea of acquiring something and making it yours.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obtain come from?
Obtain entered English through the French obtenir, which derives from Latin obtinere, formed from ob- and tenere, “to hold.” The original sense was associated with getting hold of or securing something. Its modern meaning, “to get or acquire,” developed from that earlier usage. The word is related to several English verbs and adjectives sharing the Latin root tenere, including attain, detain, maintain, and retain.
Related word forms
How obtain is actually used
Obtain is formal and neutral in tone, common in legal, academic, and professional writing. In everyday speech, get is more usual. The word can sound impersonal in some contexts, so phrases such as obtain permission or obtain approval are often more natural than simply obtain when referring to an action involving another person.
Easily confused with obtain
Obtain generally means to get or secure something, whereas attain often emphasizes achieving a goal, standard, or desired result.
Obtain is a common verb meaning to acquire something, while obscene is an adjective describing material that is offensive or indecent.