How to pronounce obtain

Say it like this: /əbˈteɪn/. Listen to real recordings below and compare how it sounds in different accents.

American/əbˈteɪn/

What does obtain mean?

verbTo get hold of; to gain possession of, to procure; to acquire, in any way.

“obtain permission”

To secure (that) a specific objective or state of affairs be reached.

To prevail, be victorious; to succeed.

“This, though it failed at present, yet afterward obtained, and was a mighty step to the ruin of the commonwealth.”

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Other words to practise

oak object objective observed obvious obviously occupation occur

Pronunciations and meanings from Wiktionary via kaikki.org, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Recordings by Wikimedia Commons contributors. This page is shared under the same license.