acquired
English meaning: Acquired
Definition
To get.
Example
“Over the years he acquired an impressive collection of rare books.”
Another example: “The corporation acquired three smaller firms last quarter.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Past tense of 'acquire', meaning to gain or come to possess something, whether goods, skills, companies, or qualities. Formal to neutral register, common in business ('acquired a company') and learning ('acquired a taste for'). Note the spelling: 'acquired', not 'aquired'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'acquirere' (to gain in addition), from 'ad-' (to) plus 'quaerere' (to seek), via Old French, entering English in the 15th century.
Related Words
- stake
- acquisition
- plc
- provider
- assets
- holdings
- corp
- subsidiary
- inc
- llc
Common Collocations
- acquired a taste
- acquired skills
- newly acquired
- acquired the company
- acquired knowledge
Word Forms
acquire (v); acquires; acquired; acquiring; acquisition (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B