Obtain Meaning
Obtain Definition & Usage
To acquire, get, or gain possession of something, often through effort or process.
Examples
- "She obtained a degree in economics after four years of hard work."
- "The company has successfully obtained the necessary permits to expand."
- "He obtained the information he needed by conducting a thorough investigation."
- "After months of searching, they finally obtained a rare artifact from the ancient civilization."
- "I need to obtain permission from the manager before proceeding with the project."
To secure or acquire something by legal or formal means, especially with an official or documented process.
Examples
- "The documents were obtained legally and used in the trial."
- "You must obtain a license before operating a motor vehicle."
- "She obtained her visa after a lengthy interview process at the embassy."
- "They obtained permission to build on the land from the local council."
- "The evidence obtained during the investigation was crucial for the case."
Cultural Context
The verb 'obtain' has been used in English since the Middle Ages, originally derived from Latin. In contemporary usage, it spans both formal and informal contexts and is a staple in legal, academic, and business language. The notion of obtaining something often carries with it the implication of effort or the requirement of certain conditions to be met.
The Quest for the Missing Manuscript
Story
The Quest for the Missing Manuscript
In a quiet corner of the city, nestled between rows of towering libraries and dusty bookshops, a young historian named Claire embarked on an ambitious mission. She had been given the task of obtaining an ancient manuscript that was believed to hold the secrets of an ancient civilization. For months, Claire had searched through countless archives and met with several renowned experts, but she knew that obtaining the manuscript was more than just a matter of finding it—it required the perfect combination of knowledge, persistence, and the right connections. The manuscript was said to be located in a secluded library far from the bustling city, and Claire’s only lead was a cryptic letter she had obtained from a retired scholar who had once worked there. Claire spent weeks traveling through rugged terrain and dusty villages, her determination unwavering. Finally, after much hardship, she obtained access to the library—a private collection guarded by a formidable gatekeeper. ‘You must show you are worthy,’ the gatekeeper said with a stern gaze. ‘To obtain the manuscript, you must prove your worth.’ Claire understood this challenge. It wasn’t enough to simply gain access; she had to demonstrate her respect for the knowledge it contained. With a deep breath, she passed the test, and the gatekeeper allowed her entry. Inside, the musty smell of old paper filled the air. Claire searched the shelves, carefully scanning each title, until at last, she obtained the manuscript she had been seeking. As she held the fragile pages in her hands, she knew that the journey wasn’t just about obtaining the artifact—it was about the lessons she had learned along the way: patience, perseverance, and respect for history. When Claire returned home, she wasn’t just a historian; she had become a symbol of what it truly meant to obtain something of great value: not through entitlement, but through effort and respect for the process.
