ob
tain
Third Person
obtains
Present Participle
obtaining
Past Tense
obtained
Past Participle
obtained
1
to get something, often with difficulty
transitive
- She obtains a new book from the library every week.
- The students are obtaining practical experience through internships.
- By this time, she has already obtained a degree in computer science.
- They have obtained the necessary licenses for the project.
- The company has obtained a significant grant for research.
2
to be widely common, applied, or recognized
- In many cultures, the custom of shaking hands as a greeting still obtains.
- The principle of equality before the law obtains in most democratic societies.
- The belief in karma and reincarnation obtains in various Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
- The practice of meditation to promote mental well-being obtains in many wellness programs and therapies.
- The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving as a national holiday obtains in the United States.