Obtain

/əbˈteɪn/ verb

Definition

To get something, especially by making an effort or following a process.

Etymology

From Latin "obtinere" meaning "to hold, possess, acquire," from "ob-" (toward) and "tenere" (to hold). It originally suggested holding something you have managed to get.

Kelly Says

Obtain is a formal way to say "get," but it hints that some work or permission was needed. In scientific writing, "we obtained the results" sounds more careful and controlled than "we got the results."

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