verb · academic

acquire

UK/əˈkwaɪə(r)/US/əˈkwaɪər/a·QUIRE

Band 7+speakingtask2

to get or gain something, especially knowledge, skills, or a habit

Examples

Students acquire language skills fastest when they practise every day.

Over time she acquired a reputation as a reliable researcher.

It takes many hours of practice to acquire a new technical skill.

Band 8 sentence

By studying abroad she acquired not only advanced technical knowledge but also a deeper intercultural understanding.

Collocations

  • acquire skills
  • acquire knowledge
  • acquire a reputation

Word family

acquisition nounacquired adj

Common mistakes

I acquire to much knowledge last year.I acquired a lot of knowledge last year.

I get many English skills after the course.I acquired many English skills after the course.

Say it for a higher band

5get6obtain7+acquire

Synonyms

obtain

gain

Easily confused

obtain

He obtained a copy of the report from the university library.

Related words

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In Sublist 2

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