ENGLISH
REFERENCE

acquires

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈkwaɪɝz// UK //ɐkwˈaɪəz// ac·quires

v. to get or buy something, often to add to a collection. It can also mean to learn a new skill or habit over time.

v. to come into possession of an object or property; to develop a skill, habit, or quality through a gradual process.


SIMPLE

The museum acquires new paintings every year.

CONTEXTUAL

A child naturally acquires their first language by listening to the people around them.

COMPLEX

As a corporation grows, it often acquires smaller competitors to consolidate its market share and gain access to proprietary technologies.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; often used in formal or academic contexts regarding property or knowledge.

Pitfall

He acquires to speak FrenchHe acquires the ability to speak FrenchWhen referring to skills, the verb takes a noun phrase as an object rather than an infinitive verb.

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