# obtain

Pronunciation: say "uhb-TAYN" /əbˈteɪn/

## Verb

1. To gain possession of something, or to acquire it by some means or effort.
   - Simple: To get something that you want or need, in any way.
   - _Researchers obtained the data through a formal records request._
   - _To obtain a passport, you must submit two recent photographs._
2. To exist or be the case; to hold true or be in force within a given situation.
   - Simple: To be true or in effect at a particular time or place.
   - _Quite different customs obtain in the rural districts._
   - _The peace that obtained between the two nations lasted a decade._

## Verb

3. To prevail or be victorious; to succeed in a struggle or contest. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To win or come out on top in a fight or contest.
   - _Despite being outnumbered, the defenders obtained at last._
   - _Both sides believed their cause would surely obtain._
4. To bring it about that a specific objective or state of affairs is reached; to secure such an outcome. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To make sure that something happens or is achieved.
5. To hold, keep, or occupy something; to have it in one's possession. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To hold or keep something in your possession.

## Origin

This word came through Middle English obteinen and Anglo-Norman and Middle French obtenir, from Latin obtinēre ("to gain, achieve, succeed, possess"), formed from ob- plus tenēre ("to hold").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/obtain (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).