Meaning & Definition of Acquire in English

1. Come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

• "She got a lot of paintings from her uncle"

• "They acquired a new pet"

• "Get your results the next day"

• "Get permission to take a few days off from work"

2. Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect

• "His voice took on a sad tone"

• "The story took a new turn"

• "He adopted an air of superiority"

• "She assumed strange manners"

• "The gods assume human or animal form in these fables"

3. Come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes)

• "He grew a beard"

• "The patient developed abdominal pains"

• "I got funny spots all over my body"

• "Well-developed breasts"

4. Locate (a moving entity) by means of a tracking system such as radar

5. Win something through one's efforts

• "I acquired a passing knowledge of chinese"

• "Gain an understanding of international finance"

6. Gain knowledge or skills

• "She learned dancing from her sister"

• "I learned sanskrit"

• "Children acquire language at an amazing rate"

7. Gain through experience

• "I acquired a strong aversion to television"

• "Children must develop a sense of right and wrong"

• "Dave developed leadership qualities in his new position"

• "Develop a passion for painting"