verb

obtain

to obtain, to get, to acquire, to secure

You need to obtain a permit to build a house.

You need to obtain a permit to build a house.

These conditions no longer obtain.

These conditions no longer obtain.

((sth.)) to get something You need to obtain a permit.

to be established or accepted (formal) These rules no longer obtain.

Synonyms: get, acquire, procure, secure; Antonyms: lose, forfeit

From Latin 'ob-' (towards) + 'tenere' (to hold). The idea is 'to hold towards oneself'.

Think of 'ob-' as 'objective' and '-tain' like 'attain'. Your objective is to attain something.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.