Spanish word

adquirir

Pronunciation

IPA/aðkiˈɾiɾ/

Meaning

  • verbacquire

Example

¿Dónde puedo adquirir este libro hoy?

Where can I acquire this book today?

Illustration for adquirir (acquire)

More examples

Para adquirir conocimientos, es importante practicar.

To gain knowledge, it is important to practice.

Core concept

Taking ownership of an object, a legal right, or a skill.

Common phrases

  • adquirir experiencia

    gain experience

  • adquirir conocimientos

    gain knowledge

  • adquirir un libro

    obtain a book

Similar words

obtener: Come into possession of an object or information.
conseguir: Obtain something sought through effort, planning, or cleverness.
comprar: Obtain an item or service by paying money for it.
aprender: Gain knowledge or a skill by studying and practicing.

Definition in Spanish

Lograr que algo pase a ser propio mediante comprar, aprender o conseguirlo por otros medios.

Word origin

From Latin adquirere (ad- 'to' + quaerere 'seek'), originally 'seek and obtain', and Spanish adquirir preserves that sense when applied to buying, gaining rights, or learning.

Usage tips

  • Slightly formal in tone, with speakers preferring conseguir for getting things or comprar for buying in casual speech, and note the present-tense stem change (yo adquiero).

Other meanings

  • buyverb
  • learnverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word