American Dictionary

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Definition acquire in American English

acquire verb

[transitive] verb
/əˈkwaɪr/
1

to get something, for example by buying it or being given it

Example

We acquired the company for 100 million dollars.

Example

his newly acquired BMW

Example

The business was acquired from Orion four years ago.

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2

to get new knowledge or a new skill by learning it

Example

How can such a large quantity of knowledge be acquired?

Example

the way children acquire language

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3

to get a particular reputation, position, or name

Example

He soon acquired a reputation as a perfectionist.

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4

to get a disease, illness, or infection

Example

Any drug user who shares a needle is at risk of acquiring AIDS.

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5

to gradually develop or learn something

Example

I've never really acquired a taste for wine.

Example

We want people to acquire the habit of using public transportation instead of their cars.

Synonyms and related words
Definition acquire in American English