acquired
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for acquired, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Developed during a person's life rather than present from birth.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use acquired
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “acquired” mean?
The word “acquired” means developed during a person's life rather than present from birth. In plain terms, gained later in life, not inborn — often contrasted with "congenital" or "inherited.".
How do you pronounce “acquired”?
“Acquired” is pronounced uh-KWEYE-uhd (/əˈkwaɪɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “acquired” in a sentence?
Here is “acquired” used in a sentence: “It was an acquired trait, not something she was born with.”
What part of speech is “acquired”?
“Acquired” is an adjective.
Is “acquired” a common word?
“Acquired” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between acquired and inherited?
An acquired trait or condition develops during a person's life, through experience, environment, or events — for example, an acquired skill or an acquired illness. An inherited one is passed down through genes and is present from birth. In short, 'acquired' means gained later, while 'inherited' means born with.
What is an example of something acquired?
Examples include an acquired taste, such as learning to enjoy strong coffee; an acquired skill, like playing the piano; or an acquired condition that appears after birth rather than being genetic. All share the idea that the trait was developed or gained during life, not present from the start.
What is the opposite of acquired?
The main opposites are 'innate', 'inherited', and 'congenital', all of which mean present from birth rather than developed later. In everyday use you might also say 'natural' or 'inborn'. Where 'acquired' points to something gained through life, its opposites point to something you were simply born with.