- 1acquire something to obtain something by buying or being given it The company has just acquired new premises. How did the gallery come to acquire so many Picassos? I've suddenly acquired a stepbrother.
- 2acquire something to gain something by your own efforts, ability, or behavior She has acquired a good knowledge of English. How long will it take to acquire the necessary skills? He has acquired a reputation for dishonesty. I have recently acquired a taste for (= started to like) olives. Idioms
verb jump to other results
NAmE//əˈkwaɪər//
(formal)Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they acquire he / she / it acquires
past simple acquired
-ing form acquiring
a thing that you do not like much at first but gradually learn to like Abstract art is an acquired taste.
Check pronunciation: acquire