acquisition
Acquisition refers to the process of obtaining or gaining something, such as a new skill, a physical object, or a company. It is frequently used to describe how people learn languages naturally or how businesses buy other businesses.
Examples
3 of 5My latest acquisition is a rare vinyl record I found at a small shop downtown.
My latest acquisition is a rare vinyl record I found at a small shop downtown.
The museum announced the acquisition of several 17th-century oil paintings.
The museum announced the acquisition of several 17th-century oil paintings.
Check out my new acquisition—it's the fastest gaming laptop on the market.
Check out my new acquisition—it's the fastest gaming laptop on the market.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'A-QUIRE'. To acquire something, you must 'get it' like a choir gets a new singer.
Quick Quiz
The company's recent __________ of its main competitor helped it dominate the market.
Correct!
The correct answer is: acquisition
Examples
My latest acquisition is a rare vinyl record I found at a small shop downtown.
everydayMy latest acquisition is a rare vinyl record I found at a small shop downtown.
The museum announced the acquisition of several 17th-century oil paintings.
formalThe museum announced the acquisition of several 17th-century oil paintings.
Check out my new acquisition—it's the fastest gaming laptop on the market.
informalCheck out my new acquisition—it's the fastest gaming laptop on the market.
The study focuses on the stages of second language acquisition in adult learners.
academicThe study focuses on the stages of second language acquisition in adult learners.
The multi-million dollar acquisition of the tech startup was finalized yesterday.
businessThe multi-million dollar acquisition of the tech startup was finalized yesterday.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
talent acquisition
talent acquisition
acquisition of wealth
acquisition of wealth
hostile acquisition
hostile acquisition
Often Confused With
Accumulation refers to the gradual gathering of things over time, whereas acquisition is the specific act of gaining one thing.
Learners sometimes confuse the sounds; a requirement is something necessary, while an acquisition is something gained.
Usage Notes
Acquisition is a formal word. Use it in professional, academic, or business contexts; for everyday items, 'purchase' or 'find' is more common unless you are being slightly humorous or precise.
Common Mistakes
Don't use 'acquisition' when you simply mean 'buying groceries.' It is reserved for more significant assets or the process of learning complex skills.
Memory Tip
Think of 'A-QUIRE'. To acquire something, you must 'get it' like a choir gets a new singer.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'acquisitio', derived from 'acquirere' which means 'to get in addition to'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the corporate world, 'M&A' (Mergers and Acquisitions) is a very common term for the department that handles buying other companies.
Quick Quiz
The company's recent __________ of its main competitor helped it dominate the market.
Correct!
The correct answer is: acquisition
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