Access vs. Obtain — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 20, 2024
Access emphasizes the ability to reach or use something, while obtain focuses on acquiring or coming into possession of something.
Difference Between Access and Obtain
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Access primarily relates to the means or opportunity to approach, enter, or use something. It implies the ease or permission to reach something that is already available. For example, having internet access means having the means to use the internet, whether through a device or network availability. Obtain, on the other hand, suggests a process of acquiring or getting something that one may not have had before. It involves an action or effort to gain possession of something, which might not be readily available or accessible. For instance, to obtain a driver's license, one must go through a series of steps including tests and documentation.
While access can be temporary or based on certain conditions (such as access to a library only during its opening hours), obtaining something usually refers to a more permanent acquisition or possession. For instance, accessing a rented apartment is temporary, whereas obtaining a house implies ownership.
Access often involves less effort compared to obtaining, as it usually means the barriers to entry are lower or non-existent. Accessing public information online can be as simple as performing a search, whereas obtaining a physical copy of a rare book might require significant effort and resources.
In the context of information or data, access is particularly relevant. It denotes the ability to retrieve or make use of the information, whereas obtaining might imply a transfer of ownership or the right to possess the data, such as obtaining a database for research.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The ability to approach, enter, or use something.
To come into possession or use of something.
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Focus
Means or permission.
Acquisition or possession.
Effort
Often requires less effort, implies availability.
Usually involves effort to gain something not readily available.
Temporality
Can be temporary or conditional.
Often implies a more permanent acquisition.
Context
Commonly used in relation to information, services, or places.
Frequently involves physical items, rights, or qualifications.
Compare with Definitions
Access
The act of approaching or entering a place.
Access to the building is restricted after hours.
Obtain
To get something through a process or action.
You can obtain permission by submitting a request.
Access
Permission to use or look at something.
Students have access to the library's online resources.
Obtain
To acquire something not readily available.
Obtaining rare books can be quite expensive.
Access
The means or opportunity to approach or use something.
The village now has access to clean water.
Obtain
To achieve or earn something.
He obtained the highest score in the competition.
Access
The ability to retrieve information.
You need a password to access your account.
Obtain
To come into possession of something through effort.
She obtained her degree after years of study.
Access
The right to enter a place or use a service.
Employees have access to the company gym.
Obtain
To gain possession of something.
They finally obtained the land after lengthy negotiations.
Access
A means of approaching, entering, exiting, communicating with, or making use of
A store with easy access.
Obtain
To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Access
The ability or right to approach, enter, exit, communicate with, or make use of
Has access to the restricted area.
Has access to classified material.
Obtain
To be in existence, in effect, or customary
"standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield).
Access
Public access.
Obtain
(Archaic) To succeed.
Access
An increase by addition.
Obtain
(transitive) To get hold of; to gain possession of, to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Access
An outburst or onset
An access of rage.
Obtain
To secure (that) a specific objective or state of affairs be reached.
Access
To obtain access to, especially by computer
Used a browser to access a website.
Accessed her bank account online.
Obtain
To prevail, be victorious; to succeed.
Access
(uncountable) A way or means of approaching or entering; an entrance; a passage.
Obtain
To hold; to keep, possess or occupy.
Access
(uncountable) The act of approaching or entering; an advance.
Obtain
To exist or be the case; to hold true, be in force.
Access
(uncountable) The right or ability of approaching or entering; admittance; admission; accessibility.
Obtain
To hold; to keep; to possess.
His mother, then, is mortal, but his SireHe who obtains the monarchy of heaven.
Access
(uncountable) The quality of being easy to approach or enter.
Obtain
To get hold of by effort; to gain possession of; to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Some pray for riches; riches they obtain.
By guileful fair words peace may be obtained.
It may be that I may obtain children by her.
Access
An increase by addition; accession
An access of territory
Obtain
To gain or have a firm footing; to be recognized or established; to become prevalent or general; to prevail; as, the custom obtains of going to the seashore in summer.
Sobriety hath by use obtained to signify temperance in drinking.
The Theodosian code, several hundred years after Justinian's time, did obtain in the western parts of Europe.
Access
(countable) An onset, attack, or fit of disease; an ague fit.
Obtain
To prevail; to succeed.
So run that ye may obtain.
There is due from the judge to the advocate, some commendation, where causes are fair pleaded; especially towards the side which obtaineth not.
Access
(countable) An outburst of an emotion; a paroxysm; a fit of passion.
Obtain
Come into possession of;
How did you obtain the visa?
Access
The right of a noncustodial parent to visit their child.
Obtain
Receive a specified treatment (abstract);
These aspects of civilization do not find expression or receive an interpretation
His movie received a good review
I got nothing but trouble for my good intentions
Access
The process of locating data in memory.
Obtain
Be valid, applicable, or true;
This theory still holds
Access
Connection to or communication with a computer program or to the Internet.
Access
Or assent.
Access
(transitive) To gain or obtain access to.
Access
To have access to (data).
I can't access most of the data on the computer without a password.
Access
A coming to, or near approach; admittance; admission; accessibility; as, to gain access to a prince.
I did repel his letters, and deniedHis access to me.
Access
The means, place, or way by which a thing may be approached; passage way; as, the access is by a neck of land.
Access
Increase by something added; addition; as, an access of territory. [In this sense accession is more generally used.]
I, from the influence of thy looks, receiveAccess in every virtue.
Access
An onset, attack, or fit of disease.
The first access looked like an apoplexy.
Access
A paroxysm; a fit of passion; an outburst; as, an access of fury.
Access
The right to enter
Access
The right to obtain or make use of or take advantage of something (as services or membership)
Access
A way of entering or leaving;
He took a wrong turn on the access to the bridge
Access
(computer science) the operation of reading or writing stored information
Access
The act of approaching or entering;
He gained access to the building
Access
Obtain or retrieve from a storage device; as of information on a computer
Access
Reach or gain access to;
How does one access the attic in this house?
I cannot get to the T.V. antenna, even if I climb on the roof
Common Curiosities
How can one obtain something?
One can obtain something through effort, purchase, request, or by meeting certain criteria or conditions.
Is obtaining always a legal process?
Obtaining can involve legal processes, especially when it concerns rights or ownership, but it can also refer to simpler acts of acquisition.
What does it mean to have access to something?
Having access means having the ability or permission to approach, enter, use, or retrieve something.
Is access always physical?
No, access can also refer to non-physical resources, like accessing information online or services.
Can you obtain something without having access to it first?
Yes, obtaining often involves gaining possession or rights to something that may not have been previously accessible.
What is the difference between borrowing and obtaining?
Borrowing is temporarily gaining access to use something, whereas obtaining usually implies a more permanent acquisition.
Can access be bought?
Yes, access to certain services or places can be bought, but it doesn't grant ownership, just the right to use or enter.
Is it easier to access or obtain something?
Generally, accessing something is easier than obtaining it, as access often requires less effort and fewer conditions.
What is necessary to obtain a certification?
To obtain a certification, one typically needs to meet specific criteria, such as passing exams or completing courses.
Does everyone have equal access to public services?
Ideally, yes, but in reality, access to public services can be affected by factors like location, socioeconomic status, and availability.
Can you lose access to something?
Yes, access can be revoked or lost due to various reasons, such as failing to meet certain conditions or because of temporal limits.
How does one gain access to restricted information?
Access to restricted information usually requires authorization, meeting security criteria, or having specific permissions.
What are some barriers to obtaining new technology?
Barriers can include cost, lack of information or skills, and availability issues.
Does access imply ownership?
Access does not necessarily imply ownership; it often means having the right or means to use or approach something temporarily.
Can access be conditional?
Yes, access can be conditional upon meeting certain requirements or adhering to specific rules or guidelines.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
