acquisitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "acquisitive" is correct and usable in written English.
It means showing an eagerness to acquire or possess material things. It is mainly used to describe people or their behavior. For example, "John is very acquisitive and always seems to have the newest technology".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's not an acquisitive person, not the type to cut himself off from the world behind electric gates.

The Guardian - Music

Perhaps it is time for them to stop being so acquisitive and avaricious, not just for their bank balances, but for the good of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Outsiders contend that Mr Moynihan's famously acquisitive predecessors, Hugh McColl and Mr Lewis, were far more interested in buying than integrating operations.

The Economist

The disclosure programme may be harsh and inequitable, but for healthier, acquisitive outfits it may have a silver lining.

The Economist

Cisco is acquisitive, but its equipment sits mostly at the edge of corporate data centres, not at the centre.It is more likely, therefore, that consolidation will occur within the software galaxy.

The Economist

By contrast, four of the ten most acquisitive small banks, with assets of less than $5 billion, outperformed the index.All this seems to suggest that Wall Street has cottoned on to the existence of diseconomies of scale in banking.

The Economist

Some of the former were sympathetic to pleas from home-country companies, fearful of takeover; the Socialists, meanwhile, were motivated by their usual hostility to acquisitive capitalism.The European Commission talks of trying to come up with a new code that might pass muster with the parliament.

The Economist

It had the finest of corporate customers in one of the fastest growing regions (the south-east), and its management avoided big and bungled mergers of the kind that for years crippled two acquisitive North Carolina neighbours, NationsBank (now Bank of America and First Unionn.

The Economist

For the first time since he came to power, the ubiquitous presidential portraits that adorn many buildings have been ripped down and burned, while protesters chant colourful insults aimed at Mr Ben Ali and his acquisitive wife, Leila Trabelsi.At first Mr Ben Ali lambasted the protesters as "extremists" in the pay of unnamed foreign powers.

The Economist

INDIAN companies are in an expansive, acquisitive mood.

The Economist

The French are about as welcoming to acquisitive foreign banks as they are to Hollywood movies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acquisitive" to describe a strong desire for acquiring possessions, knowledge, or power. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being acquired.

Common error

Avoid confusing "acquisitive" (eager to acquire) with "inquisitive" (curious and questioning). "Acquisitive" relates to gaining possessions or knowledge, while "inquisitive" pertains to seeking information.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "acquisitive" primarily functions as a descriptive term, modifying nouns to indicate a tendency or desire to acquire possessions, knowledge, or power. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "acquisitive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective that describes a strong desire to acquire possessions, knowledge, or power. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's predominantly found in news and media, and formal business contexts, often portraying companies or individuals actively seeking to expand their holdings. While synonyms like "greedy" and "materialistic" exist, they carry different nuances. To avoid confusion, remember that "acquisitive" focuses on the act of acquiring, distinct from "inquisitive," which means curious. Use "acquisitive" when characterizing a desire to accumulate, ensuring clarity about what is being sought after.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquisitorial

While closely related, this term is less common and often refers to a systematic approach to acquiring information or resources.

materialistic

Focuses specifically on the desire for material possessions, omitting the broader sense of acquiring knowledge or influence.

greedy

Implies an excessive and often selfish desire for wealth or possessions, carrying a more negative connotation.

avaricious

Similar to greedy, but often implies a more extreme and insatiable desire for wealth.

grasping

Suggests a forceful or manipulative approach to acquiring things, often with a negative implication.

covetous

Implies a longing for what others possess, rather than simply seeking to acquire things in general.

possessive

Emphasizes the desire to keep and control what one has, rather than the act of acquiring itself.

rapacious

Indicates extreme greed and a willingness to exploit others to obtain wealth.

mercenary

Suggests that actions are primarily motivated by financial gain.

desirous

Indicates a strong wish or longing for something but does not necessarily imply an active effort to acquire it.

FAQs

How do you use "acquisitive" in a sentence?

You can use "acquisitive" to describe someone with a strong desire to acquire possessions or knowledge. For example, "He has an "acquisitive nature", always seeking new investments and opportunities."

What's the difference between "acquisitive" and "greedy"?

"Acquisitive" generally describes a strong desire to acquire, while "greedy" implies an excessive and often selfish desire, carrying a more negative connotation. You might say someone is "acquisitive but fair", but it would be unusual to describe them as "greedy but fair."

What are some synonyms for "acquisitive"?

Synonyms for "acquisitive" include "materialistic", "greedy", "grasping", and "possessive", though each carries slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "acquisitive" in formal writing?

Yes, "acquisitive" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a precise and professional term to describe someone's desire to acquire assets or knowledge, and can be used in business, academic, and journalistic contexts.