get
v. · n.-
1 to receive or obtain (v.) A1 Beginnerto receive, buy, or find something.
to come into possession of; to receive, acquire, or purchase.
ExampleI need to get some milk from the shop on my way home.
ExampleThe researchers managed to get the necessary funding after presenting their preliminary findings to the board.
-
2 to become (v.) A1 Beginnerto change into a new state or feeling.
to change state or condition; functions as a copular verb often followed by an adjective.
ExampleIt gets very dark here in the winter after four o'clock.
ExampleAs the negotiations dragged on into the night, the participants began to get restless and impatient.
Show 8 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 to arrive (v.) A1 Beginnerto reach a place.
to reach a destination or move into a specific position.
ExampleWhat time do you usually get to work in the morning?
ExampleWe didn't get to the hotel until midnight because the train was delayed by heavy snow.
-
4 to understand (v.) B1 Intermediate Informalto understand an idea or a joke.
to comprehend or grasp a meaning, often used in informal speech.
ExampleI don't get the joke — can you explain it to me?
ExampleThe lecture was quite technical, and I suspect half the students didn't get the core concept.
-
5 to catch or travel by (v.) A2 Elementaryto use a bus, train, or taxi.
to catch or travel by a specific form of public transport.
ExampleShe has to get the bus at eight to be on time.
ExampleIf we hurry, we might still get the last train back to the city.
-
6 to fetch (v.) A2 Elementaryto go and bring something back.
to go to a place and return with someone or something.
ExampleWait here while I go and get my coat from the car.
ExampleThe host went to get more chairs so that everyone could sit down for the presentation.
-
7 passive auxiliary (v.) B1 Intermediate Informalused with another word to show something happened to someone, often by accident.
used as an auxiliary verb with a past participle to form the passive voice, typically for unexpected or accidental events.
ExampleHe got stopped by the police for driving too fast.
ExampleSeveral windows got broken during the storm, but fortunately, no one was injured by the flying glass.
UsageAlways followed by a past participle (e.g., 'get married', 'get hurt').
-
8 to catch a disease (v.) A2 Elementary Medicineto become ill with a cold or virus.
to contract an illness or infection.
ExampleI think I'm getting a cold because my throat is sore.
ExampleMedical experts are concerned that more people will get the virus if vaccination rates do not improve.
-
9 sports return (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sporta very difficult save or return of a ball in a game.
a successful return of a ball that appeared impossible to reach.
ExampleThe crowd cheered after his incredible get at the edge of the court.
ExampleHer defensive play was characterized by a series of remarkable gets that frustrated her opponent throughout the final set.
-
10 insult (n.) C2 Proficiency British English Dialect Informala rude word for a person you do not like.
a regional variant of 'git', used as a mild to moderate insult for a contemptible person.
ExampleHe's a miserable old get who never says hello.
ExampleThe local youths were shouting at the man, calling him a 'clumsy get' after he tripped over the curb.
From Middle English geten, from Old Norse geta, from Proto-Germanic getaną. Cognate with Old English ġietan (whence also English yet), Old Saxon getan (“to get, to gain sth.”), Old High German pigezzan (“to uphold”), Gothic 𐌱𐌹𐌲𐌹𐍄𐌰𐌽 (bigitan, “to find, discover”)), from Proto-Indo-European gʰed- (“to seize”).
Variant of git.
From Hebrew גֵּט (gēṭ).