acquire definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire definition" is not correct in standard written English.
It is unclear and lacks context, as "acquire" typically refers to obtaining something, while "definition" is a noun that describes the meaning of a word or concept. Example: "Before we proceed, we need to acquire a clear definition of the term we are discussing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Her images acquire definition word by carefully weighed word.

The New York Times - Books

And, second, because watching Marco Borghese's wine style acquire definition as he moves away from his property's former Hargrave Vineyard tendencies is an interesting exercise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The small council acquired definition from an oath first mentioned in 1269.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Brazil's currency and its bonds have weakened recently, but that has more to do with investors' war jitters than with any financial wobbling by the Lula government.Nevertheless, some of the features of Lula's new paradigm are acquiring definition.

The Economist

Yet in a more concise, encyclopaedic summary it is necessary to stay close to the evolution of the term concerto itself, and there is a real significance in observing how the word acquired definition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

How they use the language of science and their own acquired definitions of key terminology may well be affected by their experience with science and the degree of academic or industrial training they have received in science.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Illnesses get added or deleted, acquire new definitions or lists of symptoms.

The New York Times

On its journey to New York, "Stage Kiss" will, I suspect, acquire higher-definition players and a director with a surer command of the dynamics of comedy.

The New Yorker

It takes a gay son dying too soon to puncture the dominant air of restraint; once it is ruptured, grace and honesty acquire new definitions.

The New York Times - Books

Because of this ability to acquire high-definition cross-sectional images of the retina, in humans, SD-OCT machines are being increasingly used in clinical practice.

Biological Procedures Online

Likewise the horns in the piano concerto acquired new definition.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking to express that something is becoming more clearly defined, consider using phrases like "take shape" or "become clearer" instead of "acquire definition".

Common error

Avoid using "acquire" with abstract nouns like "definition". "Acquire" typically refers to gaining possession of something tangible or concrete. Instead, use verbs like "develop", "formulate", or "establish" for abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire definition" functions as a verb phrase where "acquire" acts as the verb and "definition" as its object. However, Ludwig AI points out that this combination is not considered correct in standard written English, suggesting a less conventional usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "acquire definition" appears in some reputable sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, it is not considered standard English. Ludwig AI identifies it as incorrect, recommending alternatives like "obtain a definition" or "develop a definition" for improved clarity and grammatical accuracy. The phrase aims to convey the process of gaining a clear understanding or establishing a precise meaning, but its usage should be approached with caution. The phrase appears in neutral to formal contexts such as news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, but the relatively low frequency suggests it's best to opt for more conventional alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obtain a definition

Replaces "acquire" with the more conventional "obtain", which directly implies receiving or getting something.

Gain a definition

Substitutes "acquire" with "gain", emphasizing the process of gradually achieving a definition.

Get a definition

Replaces "acquire" with the simpler and more direct "get", suggesting obtaining a definition in a straightforward manner.

Develop a definition

Focuses on the creation or evolution of a definition over time, rather than simply obtaining it.

Formulate a definition

Implies a more structured and deliberate process of creating a definition.

Establish a definition

Highlights the act of setting up or confirming an official definition.

Arrive at a definition

Suggests reaching a consensus or conclusion regarding a definition after some deliberation.

Determine a definition

Emphasizes the act of deciding on a specific and precise definition.

Define precisely

Shifts the focus to the act of defining something with accuracy and clarity.

Clarify the definition

Highlights the act of making an existing definition easier to understand.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "acquire definition"?

Instead of "acquire definition", you can use alternatives such as "obtain a definition", "develop a definition", or "formulate a definition" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is it grammatically correct to use "acquire" with abstract nouns like "definition"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "acquire" with abstract nouns like "definition" can sound awkward. It's generally better to use verbs that suggest creation or understanding, such as "develop", "establish", or "clarify".

How can I use the phrase "develop a definition" in a sentence?

You can use "develop a definition" in a sentence like: "Before we can proceed with the project, we need to develop a definition that everyone agrees on."

What is the difference between "acquire a definition" and "obtain a definition"?

While similar, "obtain a definition" is generally preferred because "obtain" directly implies receiving or getting something, making it a clearer and more common choice than "acquire" in this context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "acquire definition" is not correct in standard written English.