Definition of Acquire
Quick Meaning of Acquire
To get or obtain something that you did not have before.
Detailed Definition of Acquire
To gain possession of something through effort, purchase, or some process.
How to Pronounce Acquire
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress falls on the second syllable. The initial 'a' sounds like the 'a' in 'about'.
Watch out: Pronounced as 'ay-kwire'; the first syllable is unstressed like 'uh'.
Origin and Etymology of Acquire
From Latin "acquirere" — "ad-" (to) + "quaerere" (to seek).
How to Use Acquire in a Sentence
Each example shows “acquire” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“She acquired a new skill by practicing regularly.”
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“The museum acquired a valuable painting for its collection.”
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“Companies often acquire smaller businesses to expand their market share.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Acquire
Common Synonyms for Acquire
Smart Synonyms for Acquire — When to Use Each
- obtain
- for formal or official contexts, especially documents
- gain
- for abstract qualities like experience or knowledge
- secure
- for difficult-to-get items requiring effort
Antonyms of Acquire
Common Collocations with Acquire
These phrases pair with “acquire” in everyday English:
- acquire knowledge
- acquire property
- acquire skills
- acquire experience
- acquire resources
Common Mistakes When Using Acquire
Even fluent speakers slip up with “acquire”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She acquire new vocabulary every day.
- ✓ Correct: She acquires new vocabulary every day.
- Why: Third-person singular in present simple needs the -s form: 'acquires' not 'acquire'.
- ✗ Wrong: He has acquire the property last year.
- ✓ Correct: He acquired the property last year.
- Why: 'Last year' requires simple past 'acquired', not present perfect 'has acquired'.
- ✗ Wrong: The company is acquire several firms recently.
- ✓ Correct: The company has acquired several firms recently.
- Why: 'Recently' with the present timeframe needs present perfect 'has acquired', not present continuous 'is acquiring'.
Words Confused With Acquire
- Acquire vs Require: Require means to need something; acquire means to obtain it. Compare →
Other Forms of Acquire
- Noun: acquisition
- Verb: acquire
Frequently Asked Questions About Acquire
What is the meaning of "Acquire"?
To get or obtain something that you did not have before.
How do you pronounce "Acquire"?
The IPA is /əˈkwaɪər/. Stress falls on the second syllable. The initial 'a' sounds like the 'a' in 'about'.
What part of speech is "Acquire"?
"Acquire" is a verb at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Acquire"?
Common synonyms include obtain, gain, get.
How do you use "Acquire" in a sentence?
For example: "She acquired a new skill by practicing regularly."