First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
obtain
verb ob·tain \əb-ˈtān, äb-\
: to gain or get (something) usually by effort
: to continue to be accepted or in use
Full Definition of OBTAIN
transitive verb
: to gain or attain usually by planned action or effort
intransitive verb
1
archaic : succeed
2
: to be generally recognized or established : prevail
— ob·tain·abil·i·ty \-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— ob·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adjective
— ob·tain·er noun
— ob·tain·ment \-ˈtān-mənt\ noun
See obtain defined for English-language learners
See obtain defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of OBTAIN
Middle English obteinen, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French obtenir, from Latin obtinēre to hold on to, possess, obtain, from ob- in the way + tenēre to hold — more at thin
OBTAINABLE Defined for Kids
obtain
verb ob·tain \əb-ˈtān\
ob·tainedob·tain·ing
Definition of OBTAIN for Kids
: to gain or get hold of with effort <She was able to obtain a ticket to the show.> <We obtained permission to enter.>
Word Root of OBTAIN
The Latin words tenēre, meaning “to hold,” gives us the roots ten and tain. Words from the Latin tenēre have something to do with holding. Something tenacious holds on and is not easily gotten rid of. To contain is to hold things together inside. To obtain is to get hold of. To retain is to continue to hold.
Learn More About OBTAIN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up obtain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).