Definition of Acquired
Quick Meaning of Acquired
Something you got or learned through doing it repeatedly or working at it over time. Not something you were born with.
Detailed Definition of Acquired
Gained or obtained through effort, experience, or over time; not possessed from birth.
How to Pronounce Acquired
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: uh-KWYR-d. The 'qu' sounds like 'kw' in 'queen'. The final 'd' is silent in pronunciation.
Watch out: Some learners stress the first syllable (AC-kwyr-d) or mispronounce 'qu' as 'cw'. Say: uh-KWYR-d with second syllable stressed.
Origin and Etymology of Acquired
From Latin 'acquirere' (to add to oneself). 'Ad-' (to) + 'quirere' (to seek). Entered English in 14th century with commercial meanings.
How to Use Acquired in a Sentence
Each example shows “acquired” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“He developed an acquired taste for classical music after living in Europe.”
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“Acquired skills like coding and design require consistent practice.”
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“She has an acquired immunity to certain diseases through vaccination.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Acquired
Common Synonyms for Acquired
Smart Synonyms for Acquired — When to Use Each
- learned
- Specifically emphasizes gaining knowledge or skills through study
- developed
- Suggests gradual building over time through experience
- obtained
- More general; applies to acquiring possessions or qualities
Common Collocations with Acquired
These phrases pair with “acquired” in everyday English:
- acquired taste
- acquired skills
- acquired immunity
- acquired knowledge
- acquired experience
Common Mistakes When Using Acquired
Even fluent speakers slip up with “acquired”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He has acquired tall height through exercise.
- ✓ Correct: He has developed good posture and strength through exercise.
- Why: Height is innate/genetic, not acquired. Use 'acquired' only for traits learned or developed over time.
- ✗ Wrong: Her acquired French language is very fluent.
- ✓ Correct: Her acquired French language skills are very fluent. / She has acquired fluency in French.
- Why: 'Acquired' modifies specific skills/knowledge. Say 'acquired skills' or 'acquired fluency', not just 'acquired language'.
- ✗ Wrong: The acquired disease spread quickly through the population.
- ✓ Correct: The acquired infection / disease spread quickly through the population. / She contracted an infectious disease.
- Why: Use 'acquired' in medical contexts for specific conditions like 'acquired immune deficiency'. For general illness, use 'contracted' or specify the disease.
Other Forms of Acquired
- Noun: acquisition
- Verb: acquire
- Adjective: acquired
Frequently Asked Questions About Acquired
What is the meaning of "Acquired"?
Something you got or learned through doing it repeatedly or working at it over time. Not something you were born with.
How do you pronounce "Acquired"?
The IPA is /əˈkwaɪərd/. Stress the second syllable: uh-KWYR-d. The 'qu' sounds like 'kw' in 'queen'. The final 'd' is silent in pronunciation.
What part of speech is "Acquired"?
"Acquired" is an adjective at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Acquired"?
Common synonyms include obtained, gained, learned.
How do you use "Acquired" in a sentence?
For example: "He developed an acquired taste for classical music after living in Europe."