verb Common

obtained

uhb-TAYND

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Obtained (verb) means past tense and past participle of obtain: got or acquired something, usually through effort, request or a formal process. Example: “She obtained a copy of the report under freedom of information rules.”

verb

Past tense and past participle of obtain: got or acquired something, usually through effort, request or a formal process.

"She obtained a copy of the report under freedom of information rules."

"The samples were obtained from three separate sites."

"He obtained a visa after filling in several forms."

formal Of a rule, custom or condition: was in force or prevailed at a particular time.

"The practice obtained throughout the medieval period."

"The old custom obtained in the village well into the last century."

"Different laws obtained in each region before the countries united."

How to use obtained

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGot something, usually by asking for it or working for it.

When to use it

Formal; very common in academic method sections and legal documents.

Memory tip

Obtain something from a source: 'obtained the figures from the census', not 'obtained by the census'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

attained → received → acquired → procured

Common pairings

obtained permission data were obtained obtained a degree illegally obtained evidence

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “obtained” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ a copy of the report under freedom of information rules.

Etymology

From Latin obtinere, 'to hold, possess', from ob-, 'towards', and tenere, 'to hold', through Old French obtenir.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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acquired secured procured got gained

Related words

got became foreign bought achieved attached gained earned

Rhymes for obtained

lined mined gained joined ruined pained refined stained defined trained drained chained

See all rhymes for obtained →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between obtained and received?

Obtained implies you did something to get it: you asked, applied, bought or searched. Received is passive and simply means it came to you, whether you sought it or not.

Is obtained too formal for everyday writing?

In speech, 'got' is more natural. Obtained belongs to formal, academic and legal writing, where it signals a deliberate and often documented process of acquisition.

How do you spell the past tense of obtain?

Obtained, with a single 'n' before the -ed. Obtain follows the regular pattern and does not double the final consonant.

What is the meaning of obtained?

"obtained" (verb) means past tense and past participle of obtain: got or acquired something, usually through effort, request or a formal process.

People also searched

got became foreign bought achieved attached gained earned