acquisition
UK: ˌæk.wɪˈzɪʃ.ən | US: ˌæk.wəˈzɪʃ.ən
n. the act of obtaining or gaining something, especially through effort or purchase
n. something acquired, such as a skill, asset, or company
acquisition = ac<to, toward> + quis<seek, ask> + ition<noun suffix>
- ac (from Latin ad-, meaning "to, toward")
- quis (from Latin quaerere, meaning "to seek, ask")
- ition (Latin noun-forming suffix indicating action or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin acquisitio, from acquirere ("to acquire"), combining ad- (intensifying direction) and quaerere ("to seek"). It originally referred to the act of obtaining through effort, later expanding to include tangible/intangible gains (e.g., assets, skills). The root quis also appears in inquire and question, reflecting a shared idea of "seeking."
The company announced its latest acquisition of a tech startup.
Language acquisition is easier for children than adults.
The museum displayed its new acquisitions in a special exhibit.
His acquisition of wealth changed his lifestyle dramatically.
The team celebrated the successful acquisition of funding.