obtain

obtain — verb

1. to come to have something — for example a document, permission, or an item — thr

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to come to have something — for example a document, permission, or an item — through deliberate steps such as requesting it, paying for it, or earning it.

例句

Maya finally obtained a visa after eight months of paperwork.

obtain + noun (document)

The lawyer obtained copies of the contract from the city office.

obtain + noun + from + source

同義詞
  • acquire

    similar formality; suggests gradual or purposeful gaining

  • get

    neutral and far more common in speech

  • secure

    stresses that the result was difficult or hard-won

  • procure

    very formal, often used in business or official supply contexts

反義詞
  • lose

    to stop having what you previously had

  • forfeit

    to lose something as a penalty

文法句型

obtain + noun

obtain + noun + from + source

用法筆記

More formal than 'get'. Common with documents, permissions, results, materials, or information rather than everyday physical objects you simply pick up.

常見錯誤

❌I obtained a sandwich for lunch.
✅I got a sandwich for lunch.
💡for casual everyday items, 'get' is the natural choice; 'obtain' sounds odd here.
❌She obtained the news from her friend.
✅She heard the news from her friend.' / 'She obtained the information from her friend.
💡'obtain' pairs with 'information' or 'data', not with 'news'.

2. of a rule, custom, or state of affairs, to be in force at a given time and place

2.動詞不及物C2
釋義

of a rule, custom, or state of affairs, to be in force at a given time and place — the way things actually stand or apply.

例句

Different safety rules obtain in older mines than in modern ones.

subject is a rule or system

A strict dress code still obtains at the courthouse on Mondays.

同義詞
  • prevail

    more common; stresses being widespread or dominant

  • apply

    neutral; stresses that a rule covers a case

  • hold

    shorter and slightly less formal

反義詞
  • lapse

    to stop being in force

文法句型

[situation/condition] + obtain

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense takes no object and has no human agent — the subject is a rule, custom, condition, or situation. Avoid the continuous form ('is obtaining').

常見錯誤

❌These rules are obtaining in the school.
✅These rules obtain in the school.
💡this sense is not used in continuous tenses.
❌The committee obtains every Friday.
✅The committee meets every Friday.
💡'obtain' here cannot describe people gathering; the subject must be a rule or condition.