Langimage
English

legally-obtained

|le-gal-ly-ob-tained|

B2

/ˈliːɡəli əbˈteɪnd/

(obtain)

acquire possession

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNounAdjectiveAdjectiveAdjectiveAdjectiveAdjectiveAdjective
obtainobtainmentsobtainsobtainedobtainedobtainingobtainabilityobtainmentobtainableunlawfullegalpromptly-obtainedslowly-obtainedrapidly-obtained
Etymology
Etymology Information

'obtain' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'obtinere,' where 'ob-' meant 'toward' and 'tenere' meant 'to hold.'

Historical Evolution

'obtinere' transformed into the Old French word 'obtenir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'obtain' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to hold or possess,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to acquire or get something.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

acquired or received in accordance with the law.

The documents were legally-obtained through the proper channels.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/13 16:04