v. ob·tained, ob·tain·ing, ob·tains v.tr. To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire. v.intr. 1. To be in existence, in effect, or customary: "standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield). 2. Archaic To succeed. [Middle English obteinen, from Old French obtenir, from Latin obtinēre : ob-, intensive pref.; see OB- + tenēre, to hold; see ten- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ob·taina·ble adj. ob·tainer n. |
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