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A2 verb #401 가장 일반적인 15분 분량

acquire

상위 401

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 acquire 30초 만에

설명 acquire in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'acquire' is a very advanced word that you probably won't use often. Instead, you will use the word 'get.' For example, instead of saying 'I acquired a book,' you would say 'I got a book.' However, it is good to know that 'acquire' means 'to get' or 'to buy.' You might see it in very simple signs or instructions, but usually, A1 learners focus on basic verbs like 'have,' 'get,' 'buy,' and 'take.' If you do see 'acquire,' just think of it as a fancy way of saying 'get.' For instance, 'I want to acquire a new toy' means 'I want to get a new toy.' It is a word that helps you start moving from very basic English to more interesting English. Even at this level, you can understand that 'acquire' is about having something new that you didn't have before. It's like adding a new sticker to your collection or getting a new pencil for school. While you don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, recognizing it when you read it is a great first step. Remember, English has many words that mean the same thing, and 'acquire' is just one of the more formal ones. As you learn more, you will see it more often in books and on the news. For now, just remember: Acquire = Get.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to use more specific words. 'Acquire' is a great word to learn now because it helps you talk about learning and buying in a more 'grown-up' way. You can use it to talk about 'acquiring a skill,' like learning to cook or learning to ride a bike. It sounds a bit more serious than just saying 'learning.' You can also use it for buying things that are a bit more important, like 'acquiring a new phone' or 'acquiring a car.' At this level, you should start to notice that 'acquire' is often used for things that take a little bit of time or money. It's not usually used for small things like 'acquiring a piece of gum.' You might also hear the phrase 'acquire a taste for,' which means you started to like something that you didn't like at first, like olives or dark chocolate. This is a very common way to use the word. Using 'acquire' occasionally in your writing or speaking will make your English sound more advanced and precise. It shows that you are moving beyond the most basic vocabulary and are starting to understand how to use different levels of formality. Try using it in your next English class when you talk about what you learned over the weekend!

At the B1 level, 'acquire' becomes a very useful part of your vocabulary, especially for academic and professional topics. You should be comfortable using it to describe the process of gaining knowledge or expertise. For example, 'I am working hard to acquire the skills I need for my future career.' This sounds much more professional than 'I am learning things for my job.' You will also see 'acquire' frequently in news articles about business, where one company 'acquires' another. This is a key term for understanding the world of work and finance. At this level, you should also be aware of the noun form, 'acquisition.' You might hear about 'language acquisition' in a psychology or education class. This refers to the whole process of how we learn to speak. You should also start to pay attention to collocations—words that often go with 'acquire.' Common ones include 'acquire knowledge,' 'acquire wealth,' 'acquire property,' and 'acquire a reputation.' Using these pairs correctly will make your English sound much more natural. You are also expected to understand the difference between 'acquire' and similar words like 'obtain' or 'gain.' While they are often interchangeable, 'acquire' often implies a more permanent or significant addition to what you have. It's a powerful word for describing personal and professional growth.

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At the B2 level, you should be using 'acquire' with confidence in a variety of formal and semi-formal contexts. You understand that it is a transitive verb that often carries a sense of intentionality and process. In your writing, you can use it to elevate the tone of your arguments. For example, instead of 'The company got more customers,' you might write, 'The company sought to acquire a larger customer base through targeted marketing.' This level of precision is expected in B2 exams like the FCE. You should also be familiar with the more technical uses of the word, such as 'data acquisition' in science or 'target acquisition' in more specialized fields. You understand the nuance of 'acquired' as an adjective, particularly in the phrase 'acquired taste' or 'acquired immune deficiency.' At this level, you are also expected to handle the passive voice version of the word smoothly: 'The necessary permits were acquired after months of negotiation.' This shows a high level of grammatical control. You should also be able to distinguish between 'acquire' and 'attain.' While 'acquire' focuses on the possession, 'attain' focuses on the achievement of a goal. For example, you 'acquire' the knowledge needed to 'attain' a high score on a test. Mastering these subtle distinctions is what separates a B2 learner from a B1 learner. You are now using the word not just to be understood, but to be precise and professional.

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At the C1 level, 'acquire' is a word you use with total precision, understanding its subtle implications in different registers. You are likely to use it in academic essays, professional reports, and sophisticated debates. You understand that 'acquire' can imply a gradual, almost subconscious process, as in 'the acquisition of social norms,' or a very deliberate, legalistic process, as in 'the acquisition of a subsidiary.' You are comfortable using it to discuss complex abstract concepts, such as 'acquiring a sense of belonging' or 'acquiring political influence.' At this level, you should also be aware of the word's etymology—coming from the Latin 'acquirere' (to get in addition)—which helps explain its sense of adding to what already exists. You can use the word to create nuanced meanings; for example, 'The artist's work has acquired a certain melancholy over the years,' where 'acquired' suggests a change that happened over time rather than a deliberate choice. You are also adept at using the noun 'acquisition' in complex phrases like 'the acquisition of wealth does not guarantee happiness' or 'the recent acquisition has strengthened the company's position in the market.' Your use of the word is not just about 'getting' something; it's about describing the nature of the 'getting'—whether it was through effort, time, purchase, or a natural process. This level of sophistication is a hallmark of C1 proficiency, allowing you to express complex ideas with clarity and style.

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At the C2 level, 'acquire' is a foundational tool in your extensive vocabulary, and you use it with the ease and nuance of a highly educated native speaker. You are sensitive to its use in various specialized discourses, from the legalistic precision of 'mergers and acquisitions' to the scientific rigor of 'signal acquisition' in engineering. You might use it ironically or metaphorically in literary contexts, such as 'he had acquired a collection of eccentricities that made him the talk of the town.' You understand how 'acquire' functions within the broader semantic field of possession, and you can choose it over 'procure,' 'appropriate,' 'garner,' or 'wrest' based on the exact shade of meaning you wish to convey. For instance, you might use 'appropriate' if the acquisition was done without permission, or 'garner' if it involved gathering small amounts over time, like 'garnering support.' Your mastery of the word includes its derivative forms and their specific uses, such as 'acquisitive' to describe a person or society that is overly focused on getting more things. You can weave 'acquire' into complex, multi-clause sentences without losing clarity, and you use it to add a layer of formal elegance to your speech and writing. At this level, the word is no longer a 'vocabulary item' but a versatile instrument for precise expression in any context, from a high-level diplomatic negotiation to a deep philosophical inquiry into the nature of human knowledge and possession.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

acquire 30초 만에

To obtain or get something, often through effort, learning, or purchase.
Commonly used in formal, business, and academic contexts.
Implies a sense of permanence or a significant addition to one's possessions.
Frequently used with skills, knowledge, property, and company buyouts.

The word acquire is a versatile verb that primarily denotes the act of coming into possession of something. While it is often used as a more formal synonym for 'get' or 'obtain,' its nuances vary significantly depending on the context. At its core, to acquire something means to make it your own, whether that thing is a physical object, a piece of information, a new skill, or even a reputation. Unlike 'get,' which can be accidental or effortless, 'acquire' often implies a process, effort, or a specific transaction. For instance, you might 'get' a cold, but you 'acquire' a second language or 'acquire' a collection of rare stamps. The term suggests a transition from not having to having, often with a sense of permanence or intentionality.

Physical Possession: This refers to buying or being given tangible items. In business, it is the standard term for one company buying another.

The museum was able to acquire a rare Picasso sketch for its permanent collection.

Beyond physical goods, 'acquire' is deeply embedded in the world of education and psychology. We talk about 'language acquisition' to describe the natural way children learn to speak, or the way adults pick up a new tongue through immersion. This usage highlights the gradual, often subconscious nature of the process. You don't just 'get' a language; you acquire it through repeated exposure and practice. Similarly, one can acquire a taste for something, like black coffee or classical music, which implies that the appreciation was not immediate but grew over time through repeated experience. This 'gradual' aspect is a key differentiator from simpler verbs.

Skill Acquisition: The process of learning a new ability, such as coding, playing an instrument, or public speaking, through dedicated study and practice.

It takes years of practice to acquire the level of expertise required for neurosurgery.

In the corporate world, 'acquire' is a technical term. A 'merger and acquisition' (M&A) is a common business strategy where a larger company buys a smaller one to expand its market share or gain new technology. Here, the word carries a weight of legality and high-stakes finance. It isn't just a purchase; it's a strategic move. Even in everyday conversation, using 'acquire' instead of 'buy' can elevate the tone of your speech. For example, saying 'I acquired some new furniture' sounds more sophisticated than 'I bought some new furniture,' though it might sound overly formal in a casual setting like a backyard barbecue. Understanding the register—the level of formality—is crucial for using this word correctly.

Abstract Concepts: Gaining non-physical things like a reputation, a habit, or a certain status within a community.

Through his hard work and honesty, he managed to acquire a reputation as a reliable leader.

Finally, the word is often paired with 'habit.' We 'acquire habits,' often without realizing it. This can be positive, like acquiring the habit of morning exercise, or negative, like acquiring a smoking habit. The word suggests that these behaviors were not innate but were 'added' to our character over time. In summary, 'acquire' is about growth, addition, and transition. Whether you are talking about a billionaire acquiring a yacht or a toddler acquiring their first words, the word points to the expansion of what one possesses or knows. It is a foundational word for discussing progress in both personal and professional spheres.

The startup was recently acquired by a tech giant for three billion dollars.

She has acquired a deep understanding of ancient history through her travels.

Using 'acquire' correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature; it always needs a direct object. You acquire *something*. Structurally, it fits into sentences where a subject is gaining a noun. Because it is a regular verb, its forms are straightforward: acquire (base), acquires (third-person singular), acquired (past and past participle), and acquiring (present participle). However, the complexity lies in the collocations—the words that naturally sit next to it. You don't just acquire anything; you acquire things that have value, require effort, or represent a change in state. For example, 'acquire knowledge' is a standard academic phrase, whereas 'acquire a sandwich' sounds slightly humorous because a sandwich is too trivial for such a formal word.

Active Voice: The subject is the one doing the getting. This is common in personal achievement or business news.

The young entrepreneur hopes to acquire several new patents this year.

The passive voice is also extremely common with 'acquire,' especially in formal reports where the focus is on the object being gained rather than the person gaining it. Phrases like 'was acquired' or 'have been acquired' are staples of financial journalism and historical texts. For instance, 'The territory was acquired through the treaty of 1803.' This shifts the emphasis to the historical event or the asset itself. In academic writing, you might see 'Data were acquired using a variety of sensors,' which sounds much more scientific and objective than 'We got the data from sensors.' This distinction is vital for students moving from general English to academic or professional English.

Passive Voice: Used when the focus is on the thing being obtained, often in business or history.

Most of the company's wealth was acquired during the late nineteenth century.

Another important usage pattern involves the infinitive 'to acquire.' This is often used to express purpose or intent. 'She moved to France to acquire a better command of the language.' Here, 'to acquire' explains the reason for the action. It can also follow certain adjectives: 'It is difficult to acquire a taste for fermented shark.' In these cases, the word 'acquire' emphasizes the challenge or the time required. When using it in the present continuous ('is acquiring'), it often describes a process that is currently unfolding, such as 'The child is rapidly acquiring new vocabulary,' suggesting a dynamic and ongoing development.

Infinitive of Purpose: Using 'to acquire' to explain why someone is doing something.

He attended the seminar specifically to acquire advanced negotiation techniques.

Finally, consider the use of 'acquire' in conditional sentences. 'If we acquire the necessary funding, we can begin the project.' This shows 'acquire' as a prerequisite for further action. It highlights that the acquisition is a critical step in a larger plan. Whether you are writing a formal essay, a business proposal, or a sophisticated personal narrative, 'acquire' provides a level of precision that 'get' simply cannot match. It signals to the reader that the 'getting' is significant, intentional, and perhaps even transformative. By mastering these patterns, you can use 'acquire' to convey complex ideas about growth and possession with clarity and authority.

By the time she was thirty, she had acquired a significant amount of property.

Are you trying to acquire a new skill this summer?

While 'acquire' might not be the first word you hear in a casual conversation at a coffee shop, it is ubiquitous in specific professional and academic environments. If you listen to financial news or read the business section of a newspaper, you will hear it constantly. Reporters talk about 'hostile acquisitions,' where one company tries to buy another against its will, or 'strategic acquisitions,' where the goal is long-term growth. In these contexts, 'acquire' is the standard, professional term. It carries a sense of weight and legality that 'buy' lacks. It's the language of boardrooms and stock markets, where billions of dollars change hands and the future of industries is decided.

Business News: Frequent in reports about company buyouts, mergers, and market expansions.

The tech world was shocked when the social media platform was acquired by a private investor.

In the world of education and academia, 'acquire' is equally prominent. Professors and researchers use it to describe how people learn. You'll hear about 'second language acquisition' (SLA) as a major field of study. In a lecture, a professor might say, 'Students must acquire a foundational understanding of calculus before moving on to physics.' Here, 'acquire' signifies a deep, internalizing of knowledge rather than just memorizing facts for a test. It suggests that the knowledge becomes a part of the student's intellectual toolkit. This usage is common in textbooks, research papers, and academic discussions, making it a 'must-know' word for anyone pursuing higher education in English.

Educational Lectures: Used to describe the process of learning complex skills or internalizing information.

Research shows that children acquire grammar rules naturally through social interaction.

You will also encounter 'acquire' in legal and governmental contexts. Law enforcement might talk about 'acquiring evidence,' or a government might 'acquire land' for a new highway through 'eminent domain.' In these cases, the word emphasizes the formal, legal process of taking possession. It's not just taking something; it's taking it according to specific rules and regulations. Similarly, in military contexts, 'acquiring a target' means identifying and tracking an enemy. This is a very specific, technical use of the word that you might hear in movies or read in thrillers, where it adds a layer of realism and professional jargon to the narrative.

Legal and Military: Refers to formal evidence gathering or technical target identification.

The police were able to acquire the suspect's DNA from a discarded coffee cup.

Finally, 'acquire' appears in lifestyle and culture discussions, particularly regarding 'acquired tastes.' This is a common phrase used to describe things that people usually don't like at first but grow to enjoy, like blue cheese, opera, or bitter ales. You'll hear this in food reviews, travel blogs, and casual conversations about hobbies. It’s a way of saying, 'It might be weird at first, but give it time.' This usage is perhaps the most 'human' and relatable way the word is used, bridging the gap between the formal boardroom and the everyday dinner table. Whether in a high-powered business meeting or a chat about favorite foods, 'acquire' is a word that signals a process of growth and change.

For many, the complex flavors of fermented tea are an acquired taste.

The detective worked tirelessly to acquire the missing pieces of the puzzle.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'acquire' is using it in contexts that are too informal. Because 'acquire' is a higher-register word, using it for trivial, everyday actions can sound unnatural or even slightly pompous. For example, saying 'I need to acquire some milk from the grocery store' is grammatically correct, but it sounds like you are a robot or a character in a very formal play. In such cases, 'get' or 'buy' is much more appropriate. The key is to match the word to the importance or the process of the 'getting.' If the action is quick and mundane, stick to simpler verbs. Save 'acquire' for things that are significant, permanent, or required effort.

Over-formality: Using 'acquire' for simple, everyday tasks where 'get' or 'buy' would be more natural.

Incorrect: I acquired a pencil from my friend. (Too formal for a pencil!)

Another common error is confusing 'acquire' with 'require.' While they sound similar, their meanings are nearly opposite. 'Acquire' means to get something, while 'require' means to need something. A sentence like 'I acquire a new computer for work' means you are in the process of getting one, whereas 'I require a new computer for work' means you need one to do your job. This phonetic similarity often leads to slips of the tongue or typos, especially for beginners. It's helpful to remember that 'acquire' starts with 'ac-' (like 'access' or 'account'), which often relates to adding or gaining, while 'require' starts with 're-' (like 'rely' or 'request'), which can relate to needs or repetitive actions.

Confusing with 'Require': Mixing up the word for 'getting' with the word for 'needing' due to similar sounds.

Mistake: This job acquires a lot of patience. (Should be 'requires'.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the 'acquired taste' idiom. They might say 'I acquired the taste of coffee,' but the correct phrase is 'I acquired a taste for coffee.' The preposition 'for' is essential here. Additionally, some people use 'acquire' for temporary states, like 'acquiring a cold' or 'acquiring a headache.' As mentioned before, 'acquire' implies a level of permanence or a meaningful addition. You 'catch' a cold or 'get' a headache because these are temporary, unwanted states. You 'acquire' a skill because it becomes a lasting part of your abilities. Distinguishing between temporary states and permanent gains is a hallmark of advanced English proficiency.

Wrong Prepositions: Using 'of' instead of 'for' in the phrase 'acquire a taste for something'.

Correct: It took time, but I finally acquired a taste for spicy food.

Finally, there's the issue of 'acquire' vs. 'attain.' While similar, 'attain' usually refers to reaching a goal or a specific level (e.g., 'attain a goal,' 'attain a height'). 'Acquire' is more about the possession of the thing itself. You 'acquire' the tools you need to 'attain' your goals. Using 'acquire' when you mean 'reach a target' can make a sentence feel slightly off. For example, 'He acquired the summit of the mountain' is less natural than 'He reached the summit.' By paying attention to these subtle differences in meaning and register, you can avoid common pitfalls and use 'acquire' with the precision of a native speaker.

He worked hard to acquire the necessary permits for the construction.

The company's goal is to acquire a larger share of the European market.

When you want to express the idea of getting something, 'acquire' is just one of many options. Choosing the right synonym depends entirely on the context and the 'vibe' you want to create. The most common alternative is 'get,' which is the 'Swiss Army knife' of English verbs. It's informal, versatile, and works in almost any situation. However, because it's so common, it can lack precision. If you are writing a formal report or a serious essay, 'get' can feel a bit lazy. That's where 'acquire' and its more specific cousins come in. Understanding these alternatives will help you add variety and depth to your writing and speaking.

Obtain: Very similar to 'acquire' but often used for specific pieces of information, permission, or results. It feels slightly more clinical.

You must obtain written consent before using the photographs.

'Procure' is another synonym, but it has a very specific 'flavor.' It is almost exclusively used in business, government, or military contexts to describe the formal process of getting supplies or equipment. If a company 'procures' parts, it means they went through a formal purchasing process. It can also sometimes have a slightly negative or secretive connotation in literature, implying that something was obtained with difficulty or through special means. 'Gain,' on the other hand, is often used for abstract things that are beneficial, like 'gain experience,' 'gain weight,' or 'gain an advantage.' It implies that the thing you got has added value to you in some way.

Gain: Focuses on the benefit or increase that comes from getting something, like experience or speed.

The athlete hoped to gain a competitive edge through better nutrition.

For physical objects, 'purchase' and 'buy' are the most direct alternatives. 'Purchase' is the formal version, while 'buy' is the everyday version. If you say 'The billionaire purchased a yacht,' it sounds appropriate for his status. If you say 'I bought a yacht,' it sounds like you're just a regular person who happened to have a lot of money that day. 'Earn' is another related word, but it specifically implies that you got something because you worked for it. You 'earn' a salary or 'earn' someone's respect. 'Acquire' can include things you earned, but it can also include things you bought or were given, making it broader than 'earn.'

Earn: Specifically used when the thing obtained is a direct result of work or merit.

She worked three jobs to earn enough money for her tuition.

Finally, consider 'collect' and 'amass.' These are used when you are getting many things over time. You 'collect' stamps or 'amass' a fortune. 'Acquire' can be used for a single item or a whole collection, but 'amass' emphasizes the large quantity and the time it took to build it up. By comparing 'acquire' to these other words, you can see that it occupies a unique middle ground: it's formal but not too specialized, it implies effort but isn't limited to work, and it can apply to both the physical and the abstract. This flexibility is why it's such a powerful and common word in the English language.

Over the years, the professor has acquired an impressive library of first editions.

It is essential to obtain all the necessary documents before your visa interview.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

중립

비격식체

Child friendly

속어

재미있는 사실

The root 'quaerere' is also the ancestor of many other common English words, including 'question,' 'quest,' 'inquire,' and 'require.' All of these words share the core idea of 'seeking' or 'asking.'

발음 가이드

UK /əˈkwaɪə(r)/

US /əˈkwaɪər/

The stress is on the second syllable: a-QUIRE.

라임이 맞는 단어

fire higher wire choir tire buyer flyer prior

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it like 'a-quire' with a long 'a' sound at the beginning.
Confusing it with 'require'.
Missing the 'w' sound in the second syllable.
Stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 'c' as a separate sound.

난이도

독해 3/5

Common in news and books, but easy to understand from context.

쓰기 4/5

Requires knowledge of formality and correct collocations.

말하기 4/5

Can sound too formal if used in the wrong situation.

듣기 3/5

Easily confused with 'require' if not listening carefully.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

get buy learn have take

다음에 배울 것

obtain procure attain garner appropriate

고급

requisition acquisitive perquisite exquisite inquisition

알아야 할 문법

Transitive Verbs

You must say 'I acquired the book,' not just 'I acquired.'

Passive Voice

The company was acquired (by a larger firm).

Infinitive of Purpose

He studied hard to acquire a degree.

Gerunds as Subjects

Acquiring a new language is a rewarding challenge.

Adjective placement

The newly acquired asset is very valuable.

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수준별 예문

I want to acquire a new book.

I want to get a new book.

Simple subject + verb + object.

He will acquire a toy.

He will get a toy.

Future tense with 'will'.

She acquired a pen.

She got a pen.

Past tense 'acquired'.

Can I acquire a map?

Can I get a map?

Question form with 'can'.

They acquire many things.

They get many things.

Present tense with plural subject.

To acquire is to get.

To acquire means to get.

Infinitive as a subject.

We acquire new friends.

We make new friends.

Metaphorical use of 'get'.

Did you acquire the milk?

Did you get the milk?

Past tense question with 'did'.

I need to acquire some new skills for my job.

I need to learn new things for work.

Infinitive of purpose.

He acquired a taste for coffee when he was twenty.

He started to like coffee when he was twenty.

Idiomatic use: 'acquire a taste for'.

The company acquired a small shop in the city.

The company bought a small shop.

Business context.

She is acquiring a lot of knowledge at university.

She is learning a lot at university.

Present continuous tense.

How did you acquire that beautiful painting?

How did you get that painting?

Question in the past tense.

It is important to acquire good habits early.

It is good to start good habits when you are young.

Adjective + infinitive.

They acquired the land to build a house.

They bought the land for a house.

Past tense with purpose clause.

She wants to acquire a second language.

She wants to learn another language.

Verb + object.

The museum recently acquired several rare artifacts.

The museum got some old, rare things.

Adverb 'recently' modifying the verb.

He worked hard to acquire a reputation for honesty.

He wanted people to know he was honest.

Acquiring an abstract noun.

Many companies acquire their rivals to reduce competition.

Companies buy other companies to be the only ones.

Present tense for general truths.

She has acquired a deep understanding of the subject.

She knows the subject very well now.

Present perfect tense.

It takes time to acquire fluency in a foreign language.

You need time to speak a language well.

Dummy 'it' subject.

The library acquired a collection of old letters.

The library got many old letters.

Past tense.

He is trying to acquire the necessary funding for his startup.

He is looking for money for his new business.

Present continuous with 'trying to'.

The software was acquired by a larger tech firm.

A big company bought the software.

Passive voice.

The conglomerate acquired three subsidiaries in the last quarter.

The big company bought three smaller ones recently.

Formal business terminology.

Language acquisition is a complex psychological process.

Learning a language involves many mental steps.

Noun form 'acquisition' used as a subject.

He has acquired a certain degree of notoriety in the local area.

He is well-known, but maybe for bad reasons.

Acquiring a negative abstract noun.

The data were acquired through a series of rigorous experiments.

The information was gathered by doing many tests.

Passive voice with plural 'data'.

She struggled to acquire the specialized vocabulary of the legal profession.

It was hard for her to learn law words.

Verb + complex noun phrase.

The government is looking to acquire land for the new highway project.

The government wants to buy land for a road.

Present continuous with infinitive.

Having acquired the necessary permits, they began construction.

After they got the papers, they started building.

Perfect participle clause.

The company's primary goal is the acquisition of new technology.

The company mainly wants to get new tech.

Noun phrase with 'of'.

The billionaire's primary motivation was to acquire power and influence.

He mainly wanted to be powerful and important.

Abstract nouns as objects.

Through years of study, he acquired a profound appreciation for classical music.

He learned to really love classical music over time.

Prepositional phrase + verb + complex object.

The acquisition of wealth does not inherently lead to a sense of fulfillment.

Getting rich doesn't always make you happy.

Gerund-like noun phrase as subject.

The virus is typically acquired through direct contact with infected fluids.

You usually get the virus by touching something infected.

Medical/scientific passive voice.

She has acquired a reputation as a formidable opponent in the courtroom.

People know she is a very strong lawyer.

Metaphorical acquisition of status.

The company's aggressive acquisition strategy led to a market monopoly.

Their plan to buy everyone made them the only seller.

Adjective 'acquisition' modifying 'strategy'.

It is through social interaction that children acquire the nuances of culture.

Kids learn about their culture by talking to people.

Cleft sentence for emphasis.

The museum's latest acquisition is a seventeenth-century Dutch masterpiece.

The newest thing the museum got is a very old painting.

Noun 'acquisition' referring to the object itself.

The conglomerate's hostile acquisition of the tech startup sparked a legal battle.

The big company's forced buyout caused a lawsuit.

Complex noun phrase with multiple modifiers.

The philosophical inquiry focused on how humans acquire moral principles.

The study looked at how we learn what is right and wrong.

Academic/philosophical context.

In the post-war era, the nation sought to acquire a more prominent global status.

After the war, the country wanted to be more important in the world.

Historical/political context.

The sheer scale of the data acquisition required specialized supercomputers.

They got so much info they needed huge computers.

Technical/scientific context.

He had acquired an air of weary cynicism after years in the political arena.

He looked tired and doubtful after being in politics.

Literary/descriptive use.

The acquisition of a second language involves both conscious and subconscious processes.

Learning a language happens in both aware and unaware ways.

Scientific/psychological terminology.

The treaty allowed the empire to acquire vast territories in the East.

The agreement let the empire take a lot of land.

Formal historical context.

She was criticized for her acquisitive nature and obsession with luxury goods.

People didn't like that she always wanted to buy expensive things.

Adjective 'acquisitive' derived from the verb.

동의어

obtain gain get purchase attain procure

반의어

lose forfeit relinquish

자주 쓰는 조합

acquire knowledge

acquire skills

acquire a company

acquire a taste for

acquire property

acquire a habit

acquire a reputation

acquire wealth

acquire data

acquire a language

자주 쓰는 구문

mergers and acquisitions

— A business term for companies buying or joining with other companies.

He works in the mergers and acquisitions department.

newly acquired

— Something that was gotten very recently.

He showed off his newly acquired guitar.

hard-acquired

— Something that was very difficult to get or learn.

Her hard-acquired wisdom was respected by all.

target acquisition

— The process of identifying a target, often in military or tech.

The system is designed for rapid target acquisition.

data acquisition

— The process of collecting information for analysis.

Data acquisition is the first step in the research.

language acquisition

— The process by which humans learn to perceive and produce language.

Early childhood is the best time for language acquisition.

skill acquisition

— The process of learning a new ability.

Skill acquisition requires consistent practice.

asset acquisition

— Buying specific items of value from a company.

The asset acquisition was completed yesterday.

hostile acquisition

— Buying a company against the wishes of its management.

The hostile acquisition was blocked by the board.

acquire a status

— To reach a certain level of importance or position.

The city has acquired the status of a tech hub.

자주 혼동되는 단어

acquire vs require

Require means to need; acquire means to get. They sound similar but have different meanings.

acquire vs inquire

Inquire means to ask for information; acquire means to get something.

acquire vs attain

Attain means to reach a goal; acquire means to get a possession or skill.

관용어 및 표현

"an acquired taste"

— Something that you do not like at first, but you learn to like over time.

Opera is definitely an acquired taste.

Informal/Neutral

"acquire a life of its own"

— When something becomes so big or popular that it continues without help.

The rumor soon acquired a life of its own.

Informal

"acquire the knack"

— To learn how to do something that is difficult or requires a special skill.

It takes a while, but you'll soon acquire the knack of it.

Informal

"acquire a thick skin"

— To become less sensitive to criticism or insults.

You need to acquire a thick skin if you want to be a politician.

Informal

"acquire a sense of"

— To start to feel or understand something.

She slowly acquired a sense of belonging in her new city.

Neutral

"acquire a following"

— To get a group of people who support or follow your work.

The young artist quickly acquired a following on social media.

Neutral

"acquire a scent"

— When a dog or animal starts to follow a specific smell.

The hound acquired the scent of the fox.

Neutral

"acquire a debt"

— To end up owing money to someone.

He acquired a lot of debt during his university years.

Neutral/Formal

"acquire a name for oneself"

— To become famous or well-known for something.

He acquired a name for himself as a brilliant chef.

Neutral

"acquire a footing"

— To get a secure or stable position in a new area or business.

The company is trying to acquire a footing in the Asian market.

Formal

혼동하기 쉬운

acquire vs require

Similar sound and spelling.

Acquire is about getting; require is about needing. You acquire what you require.

I require a pen to acquire the signature.

acquire vs obtain

Similar meaning.

Obtain is slightly more general; acquire often implies a more permanent or significant gain.

I obtained the information, but I acquired the skill.

acquire vs gain

Similar meaning.

Gain often implies a benefit or an increase in amount (e.g., gain weight, gain speed).

He gained speed as he acquired more confidence.

acquire vs procure

Similar formal meaning.

Procure is very specific to formal purchasing or getting something with difficulty.

The army must procure supplies, while the soldiers acquire skills.

acquire vs attain

Both involve getting something through effort.

Attain is for goals or levels; acquire is for possessions or skills.

She attained the rank of captain after acquiring years of experience.

문장 패턴

I want to acquire [skill/object].

I want to acquire a new guitar.

It takes time to acquire [abstract noun].

It takes time to acquire a good reputation.

She has acquired a taste for [food/drink].

She has acquired a taste for green tea.

[Noun] was acquired by [Noun].

The startup was acquired by a tech giant.

He is in the process of acquiring [noun].

He is in the process of acquiring the necessary permits.

Through [action], she acquired [complex noun].

Through years of travel, she acquired a global perspective.

The acquisition of [noun] is [adjective].

The acquisition of knowledge is a lifelong journey.

Having acquired [noun], the [subject] [verb].

Having acquired the rival firm, the company dominated the market.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Common in professional, academic, and journalistic English.

자주 하는 실수

I acquired a cold. → I caught a cold.
'Acquire' is usually for positive or neutral gains that are somewhat permanent. Diseases are temporary and unwanted.
This job acquires a lot of work. → This job requires a lot of work.
Confusing 'acquire' (to get) with 'require' (to need).
I acquired a taste of coffee. → I acquired a taste for coffee.
The correct preposition in this idiom is 'for,' not 'of.'
He acquired a pencil from me. → He got a pencil from me.
'Acquire' is too formal for small, everyday objects like pencils.
She is acquiring to speak English. → She is acquiring English / She is learning to speak English.
'Acquire' is followed by a noun, not an infinitive verb like 'to speak.'

팁

Formal Writing

Use 'acquire' instead of 'get' in your university essays to sound more academic and precise.

Collocations

Remember the pair 'acquire knowledge.' It's one of the most common ways to use the word.

Transitive Verb

Always follow 'acquire' with an object. You can't just say 'I acquired.' You must say what you acquired.

Register

If you're at a party, don't say 'I acquired this drink.' Just say 'I got this drink' so you don't sound too stiff.

Acquired Taste

Use this phrase when talking about food, music, or art that is a bit unusual or difficult to like at first.

M&A

If you work in business, 'acquisition' is the standard word for buying another company.

Stress

Make sure to put the emphasis on the second syllable: a-QUIRE.

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-QUIRE' as 'Adding' something you 'Require' (even though they have different meanings, it helps with the sound).

Permanence

Use 'acquire' for things you plan to keep, not for temporary things like a cold or a borrowed pen.

Latin Roots

Knowing it comes from 'quaerere' (to seek) helps you remember it's about getting something through effort.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'A-QUIRE'. You 'A'dd to what you 'QUIRE' (seek). Or, think of a 'Choir' (which rhymes with acquire) 'acquiring' new singers.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person adding a new, shiny trophy to a shelf that is already full of other trophies. This represents the 'adding' and 'possessing' aspect of the word.

Word Web

Buy Learn Get Skill Knowledge Company Habit Taste

챌린지

Try to use 'acquire' in three different ways today: once for a skill, once for a physical object, and once for an abstract idea like a habit.

어원

The word 'acquire' comes from the Old French word 'aquerre,' which was derived from the Latin 'acquirere.' The Latin word is a combination of 'ad-' (meaning 'to' or 'in addition to') and 'quaerere' (meaning 'to seek' or 'to get'). This explains why the word often implies adding something to what you already have.

원래 의미: To get in addition to what one already has.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

문화적 맥락

Be careful not to use 'acquire' for people, as it can sound like you are treating them as objects (e.g., 'I acquired a new friend' sounds strange).

Commonly used in professional and academic settings to sound more precise.

Mergers and Acquisitions (a common business term) The phrase 'acquired taste' is used in countless food and art reviews. Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is a major field of academic study.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Business

mergers and acquisitions
acquire a subsidiary
hostile acquisition
strategic acquisition

Education

acquire knowledge
skill acquisition
language acquisition
acquire expertise

Lifestyle

acquire a taste for
acquire a habit
acquire a reputation
acquire property

Science

data acquisition
acquire a sample
signal acquisition
acquire images

Legal

acquire land
acquire rights
acquire evidence
acquire a permit

대화 시작하기

"What is a skill you would like to acquire in the next year?"

"Do you have an acquired taste for any unusual foods?"

"How long did it take you to acquire fluency in your second language?"

"What's the most interesting thing you've ever acquired at a thrift store?"

"Do you think it's more important to acquire wealth or to acquire experiences?"

일기 주제

Reflect on a habit you have recently acquired. Is it a positive or negative one?

Describe the process you went through to acquire a specific skill you are proud of.

If you could acquire any one piece of knowledge instantly, what would it be and why?

Write about a time you acquired something that you didn't think you would like at first.

Discuss the ethical implications of large companies acquiring smaller competitors.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Generally, no. Using 'acquire' for people (e.g., 'I acquired a new friend') sounds like you are treating them as property. It's better to use 'make' (make a friend) or 'meet' (meet a person).

It is definitely on the formal side. In casual conversation, 'get' or 'buy' is usually better. However, phrases like 'acquired taste' are common in all levels of speech.

'Learn' is the general word for getting knowledge. 'Acquire' is often used in academic contexts (like 'language acquisition') to describe a more natural or deep process of internalizing a skill.

Yes, in medical contexts, you can 'acquire' an infection or a virus. However, in everyday speech, we usually say 'catch' a cold or 'get' sick.

This is a business term. A 'merger' is when two companies join together. An 'acquisition' is when one company buys another. It's a very common phrase in the financial world.

Yes! It can describe something you have gotten, like 'newly acquired skills' or 'acquired characteristics' in biology.

It's something you don't like at first, but you learn to like after trying it several times. Common examples are coffee, olives, or spicy food.

It's pronounced uh-KWAHY-er. The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'quire' part rhymes with 'fire'.

Yes, 'acquire a habit' is a very common and correct collocation. It means you have started doing something regularly.

The most common noun form is 'acquisition.' An 'acquirer' is a person or company that acquires something.

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