acquire Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
get.
- 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
verb take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect
assume; take on; take; adopt.
- 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
verb come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes)
produce; develop; grow; get.
- He grew a beard
- The patient developed abdominal pains
- I got funny spots all over my body
- Well-developed breasts
verb locate (a moving entity) by means of a tracking system such as radar
verb win something through one's efforts
win; gain.
- I acquired a passing knowledge of Chinese
- Gain an understanding of international finance
verb gain knowledge or skills
larn; learn.
- She learned dancing from her sister
- I learned Sanskrit
- Children acquire language at an amazing rate
verb gain through experience
evolve; develop.
- 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

L. acquirere, acquisitum; ad + quarere to seek for. In OE. was a verb aqueren, fr. the same, through OF. aquerre. See Quest..

imperfect & past participle Acquired present participle & verbal noun Acquiring

To gain, usually by one's own exertions; to get as one's own; as, to acquire a title, riches, knowledge, skill, good or bad habits.
No virtue is acquired in an instant, but step by step. Barrow.

Descent is the title whereby a man, on the death of his ancestor, acquires his estate, by right of representation, as his heir at law. Blackstone.
Syn. -- To obtain; gain; attain; procure; win; earn; secure. See Obtain.