acquired

/əˈkwaɪərd/

Say it: uh-KWY-erd

1. adjective Learned or developed during life, rather than being present from birth.
A liking for olives is often an acquired taste.
2. verb Past tense and past participle of acquire: came to possess something, especially through purchase or effort.
The tech giant acquired a smaller startup to expand its portfolio.
3. verb Past tense and past participle of acquire: learned or developed a skill, habit, or quality.
Over the years, she acquired a deep understanding of marine biology.

📖 Seen in the wild

His acquired taste for classical music developed over many years.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ acquired in a sentence

The data for the study was acquired over a three-year period.
His newly acquired confidence was noticeable to all his colleagues.
The museum's collection includes several masterpieces acquired through generous donations.
Some personality traits are innate, while others are acquired through experience.
He quickly acquired a reputation as a reliable and hardworking employee.
The firm specializes in helping clients manage their recently acquired assets.
Through careful observation, the apprentice acquired the skills of the trade.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

obtained gained secured procured attained earned won developed

obtained · a very close synonym, but often implies a more direct, simple act of getting something.

gained · often used for things that increase incrementally, like experience, weight, or support.

secured · suggests not only getting something but also making it safe or certain.

procured · a more formal term that often implies special effort or difficulty in obtaining something.

Opposites: innate, inborn, hereditary, congenital, inherent

🌱 Where it comes from

The word comes from the verb 'acquire', which entered English from Old French 'aquerre'. This French term traces back to the Latin 'acquirere', meaning 'to get in addition to'. The Latin root is a combination of 'ad-' (to, toward) and 'quaerere' (to seek or get), highlighting the core idea of actively seeking something to add to what you already have.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

acquired tasteacquired immunitynewly acquiredacquired knowledgerecently acquiredacquired skills

'Acquired' is a standard and versatile word, a solid step up in formality from 'got'. Its most specific use is as an adjective (e.g., 'acquired trait') to create a clear contrast with something that is innate or inborn. In this sense, it is a key term in biology and psychology. Avoid using it for things that cannot be learned or obtained, such as an 'acquired height'.

Word family: acquire, acquisition, acquisitive

💬 Quick answers

What does 'acquired' mean?

It means something was obtained, bought, or learned. As an adjective, it describes a trait that developed over time, as opposed to one you were born with.

What is the difference between 'acquired' and 'obtained'?

They are very close, but 'acquired' often implies a process, effort, or a more significant addition, like a skill or a company. 'Obtained' can refer to a more straightforward act of getting something.

What is an 'acquired taste'?

An acquired taste is a preference for something that you did not like at first but have grown to enjoy over time. Coffee, abstract art, and certain strong cheeses are common examples.

Is 'acquired' a formal word?

It is generally neutral to slightly formal. It is more formal than 'got' but is appropriate for both professional writing and everyday conversation.

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