HOW TO PRONOUNCE
obtain
/əbˈteɪn/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:03
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What does obtain mean?
verb
- To get hold of; to gain possession of, to procure; to acquire, in any way.
- To exist or be the case; to hold true, be in force.
More meanings (3)
verb
- (obsolete) To secure (that) a specific objective or state of affairs be reached.
- (obsolete) To prevail, be victorious; to succeed.
- (obsolete) To hold; to keep, possess or occupy.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/əbˈteɪn/
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
Behold, is there not an account concerning them of old, that they by their secret plans did obtain kingdoms and great glory?
What we can do is simply to concentrate all our available strength, keep a close watch on the enemy, and obtain reinforcements.
More book examples (3)
By a mighty effort the Lion restrained his anger--he knew that to obtain mastery over others one must be master over oneself.
Moreover, could they obtain admission they would feel themselves anything but at ease amongst the class who avail themselves of these institutions.
A person, for example, unable to obtain a divorce in his own state, can, without difficulty, attain his object in another state.