acquire

Definition of the verb acquire


1. (34) get, acquire : 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. (6) assume, acquire, adopt, take on, take : 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. (3) grow, develop, produce, get, acquire : 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. acquire : locate (a moving entity) by means of a tracking system such as radar
5. acquire, win, gain : win something through one's efforts; "I acquired a passing knowledge of Chinese"; "Gain an understanding of international finance"
6. learn, larn, acquire : acquire or gain knowledge or skills; "She learned dancing from her sister"; "I learned Sanskrit"; "Children acquire language at an amazing rate"
7. develop, acquire, evolve : 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"