What is acquire? Pronunciation and usage in English

acquire means . Learn how to pronounce and use acquire through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of acquire

acquireverb

/əˈkwʌɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of acquire

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "acquire" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • a - as in "father" (short 'a' sound)
  • c - as in "cat" (hard 'c' sound)
  • qui - This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like "kwee." Think of the French word "queue" (tail).
  • re - as in "read"
  • -ir - This is where it gets tricky again. It's a diphthong, meaning it's a blended sound. It sounds like "er" as in "her," but with a little bit of "ee" as in "see" blended in.

2. Putting it Together – The Recommended Pronunciation:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

/ˈækwaɪər/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break this down with emphasis:

  • ˈak – Emphasize this first syllable. Say it with a clear "ah" sound, like in "father."
  • wai – Say “wai” like “way” as in “way to go”.
  • er – Say "er" like the "er" in “her”.

3. A Breakdown for Easier Learning (Phonetically):

  • ah - kway (like "okay")
  • way - er (like "her")

4. Common Errors & How to Fix Them:

  • “a-quire” (like “a-quire”): This is a very common mistake. Remember the short "a" as in "father."
  • Saying "acquire" as "ac-quire": Breaking it into two words adds unnecessary syllables and leads to a less natural sound.
  • The “qui” sound: Many people struggle with this. Practice saying “kwee” repeatedly. Listen to recordings of native speakers.

5. Resources to Help You Listen:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Regional accents can influence pronunciation.)
  • Are you finding a specific part of the word particularly difficult?

Usage and examples with the word acquire in English

Let's break down how to use the word "acquire" in English. It's a versatile word, but it has a slightly more formal feel than words like "get" or "obtain."

1. Basic Meaning: To Obtain or Get

At its simplest, "acquire" means to come to have something, often after effort or a process. It's a good substitute for "get" or "obtain" in many situations, but it sounds a bit more polished.

  • Example: "I need to acquire more information about the project." (Instead of: "I need to get more information...")
  • Example: "The company plans to acquire a smaller competitor." (Instead of: "The company plans to buy a smaller competitor.")

2. Specific Meanings & How to Use Them

Here’s where “acquire” gets more nuanced:

  • a) To Gain Knowledge or Skills (Most Common Usage): This is probably the most frequent way "acquire" is used. It suggests a process of learning or developing something.

    • Example: “She acquired a strong interest in classical music after attending a concert.” (She didn't just suddenly like it; she developed it through exposure.)
    • Example: “He acquired fluency in Spanish through intensive study.” (He learned Spanish.)
    • Example: "The company sought to acquire new skills in data analysis."

  • b) To Purchase or Obtain (Tangible Items): It’s perfectly acceptable to use "acquire" when buying something, particularly if you want to sound more formal or professional.

    • Example: “The museum acquired a rare collection of Impressionist paintings.”
    • Example: "The government acquired the land for the new highway."
    • Example: "We acquired the necessary equipment for the construction project."

  • c) To Obtain (Legally or Officially): This focuses on getting something through legal or official means.

    • Example: “The police acquired a search warrant.”
    • Example: “The company acquired a patent for its invention.”

  • d) (More Formal) To Develop or Assume: This usage is less common but indicates something grows or is created over time.

    • Example: “He acquired a reputation for honesty and integrity.” (He developed this reputation over time.)

3. Key Differences & Synonyms

Word Formality Feeling conveyed Best Used When…
Acquire Formal Process, effort, development Buying, learning, gaining, officially obtaining
Get Informal Simple obtaining Casual situations, quick acquisition
Obtain Formal Official obtaining Legal matters, procedures, formal purchases
Purchase Neutral Buying Buying goods or services
Gain Neutral Developing Skill development, knowledge increase

4. Common Mistakes

  • Using it too frequently in informal conversation: "Acquire" is best suited for more formal writing or speech.

  • Confusing it with "acquire" (the past tense and past participle of "acquire"): "Acquired" means has acquired (e.g., "He acquired the skill").

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me tailor my advice even more, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "acquire" in? (e.g., writing an essay, talking to a friend, professional email?)

Synonyms for the word acquire

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