Obtain vs. Get — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 8, 2024
"Obtain" suggests acquiring through effort or a formal process, whereas "get" is more casual, implying acquisition or reception in general.
Difference Between Obtain and Get
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Obtain" and "get" are both verbs related to the acquisition of something, but they differ in formality and connotation. On the other hand, "get" is a more general and versatile term that can imply acquisition in many different ways, ranging from receiving or buying something to becoming or arriving somewhere.
"Obtain" typically suggests that something is acquired through a more formal process or with a certain amount of effort. It is often used in contexts where there is a clear method or procedure involved in acquiring what is desired, such as obtaining information from a database or obtaining permission from an authority. While "get" is used in everyday language and is suitable for informal contexts. For example, one might say "get a drink" in a casual conversation, but in a more formal document, it might be phrased as "obtain refreshments."
The process implied by "obtain" often suggests a deliberate action towards acquiring something that may not be easily accessible, such as obtaining rare materials for research. "Get," however, can imply a broader range of acquisition methods, including simply receiving something without much effort, such as getting a gift.
While "obtain" often requires specific conditions or criteria to be met, "get" is more flexible and can be used in a wider variety of situations. For example, obtaining a driver's license involves meeting specific requirements and passing tests, while getting home can simply involve taking a bus or walking.
The choice between "obtain" and "get" can also affect the tone and formality of a sentence. Using "obtain" can make a statement sound more sophisticated or official, whereas "get" is more conversational and can make language seem more accessible and relatable.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
To acquire something through a formal process or effort.
To come into possession or use of something, often with less formality.
Formality
More formal, often used in official or academic contexts.
Less formal, widely used in everyday language.
Implication
Suggests a deliberate action or effort towards acquisition, often with specific criteria.
Implies a broader range of acquisition methods, including simply receiving something.
Contexts
Suitable for contexts where specific procedures or efforts are involved.
Applicable in a wide variety of situations, from casual conversations to more formal communications.
Tone
Gives a more sophisticated or official tone to statements.
Makes language seem more accessible and conversational.
Compare with Definitions
Obtain
Formal Acquisition
She was able to obtain the rare book through an international dealer.
Get
Casual Reception
I got a nice sweater for my birthday.
Obtain
Deliberate Action
Researchers obtain data through various rigorous methods.
Get
Arrival or Transition
How do I get to the nearest subway station?
Obtain
Specific Conditions
She obtained permission to access the restricted archives.
Get
General Acquisition
We need to get some groceries on the way home.
Obtain
Effort or Criteria
To obtain membership, applicants must meet several stringent criteria.
Get
Becoming or Changing State
She got tired after the long walk.
Obtain
Official Processes
He obtained his visa after a lengthy application process.
Get
Everyday Usage
Let's get dinner at that new restaurant tonight.
Obtain
To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Get
Come to have (something); receive
I got a letter from him the other day
What kind of reception did you get?
Obtain
To be in existence, in effect, or customary
"standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield).
Get
Succeed in attaining, achieving, or experiencing; obtain
He got a teaching job in California
I need all the sleep I can get
Obtain
(Archaic) To succeed.
Get
Reach or cause to reach a specified state or condition
I need to get my hair cut
He'd got thinner
It's getting late
You'll get used to it
Obtain
(transitive) To get hold of; to gain possession of, to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Get
Come, go, or make progress eventually or with some difficulty
Nigel got home very late
He hadn't got very far with the book yet
Obtain
To secure (that) a specific objective or state of affairs be reached.
Get
See have
Obtain
To prevail, be victorious; to succeed.
Get
Catch or apprehend (someone)
The police have got him
Obtain
To hold; to keep, possess or occupy.
Get
Understand (an argument or the person making it)
What do you mean? I don't get it
Obtain
To exist or be the case; to hold true, be in force.
Get
Acquire (knowledge) by study; learn
That knowledge which is gotten at school
Obtain
To hold; to keep; to possess.
His mother, then, is mortal, but his SireHe who obtains the monarchy of heaven.
Get
An animal's offspring.
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.
Get
A person whom the speaker dislikes or despises.
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.
Get
To come into possession or use of; receive
Got a cat for her birthday.
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.
Get
To meet with or incur
Got nothing but trouble for her efforts.
Obtain
Come into possession of;
How did you obtain the visa?
Get
To go after and obtain
Got a book at the library.
Got breakfast in town.
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
Get
To go after and bring
Get me a pillow.
Obtain
Be valid, applicable, or true;
This theory still holds
Get
To purchase; buy
Get groceries.
Get
To acquire as a result of action or effort
He got his information from the internet. You can't get water out of a stone.
Get
To earn
Got high marks in math.
Get
To accomplish or attain as a result of military action.
Get
To obtain by concession or request
Couldn't get the time off.
Got permission to go.
Get
To arrive at; reach
When did you get home?.
Get
To reach and board; catch
She got her plane two minutes before takeoff.
Get
To succeed in communicating with, as by telephone
Can't get me at the office until nine.
Get
To become affected with (an illness, for example) by infection or exposure; catch
Get the flu.
Got the mumps.
Get
To be subjected to; undergo
Got a severe concussion.
Get
To receive as retribution or punishment
Got six years in prison for tax fraud.
Get
To sustain a specified injury to
Got my arm broken.
Get
To perceive or become aware of by one of the senses
Get a whiff of perfume.
Got a look at the schedule.
Get
To gain or have understanding of
Do you get this question?.
Get
To learn (a poem, for example) by heart; memorize.
Get
To find or reach by calculating
Get a total.
Can't get the answer.
Get
To procreate; beget
“Is my life given me for nothing but to get children and work to bring them up?” (D.H. Lawrence).
Get
To cause to become or be in a specified state or condition
Got the children tired and cross.
Got the shirt clean.
Get
To make ready; prepare
Get lunch for the family.
Get
To cause to come or go
Got the car through traffic.
Get
To cause to move or leave
Get me out of here!.
Get
To cause to undertake or perform; prevail on
Got the guide to give us the complete tour.
Get
To take, especially by force; seize
The detective got the suspect as he left the restaurant.
Get
(Informal) To overcome or destroy
The ice storm got the rose bushes.
Get
To evoke an emotional response or reaction in
Romantic music really gets me.
Get
To annoy or irritate
What got me was his utter lack of initiative.
Get
To present a difficult problem to; puzzle
“It's the suspect's indifference that gets me,” the detective said.
Get
(Informal) To hit or strike
She got him on the chin. The bullet got him in the arm.
Get
(Baseball) To put out or strike out
Got the batter with a cut fastball.
Get
To begin or start. Used with the present participle
I have to get working on this or I'll miss my deadline.
Get
To have current possession of. Used in the present perfect form with the meaning of the present
We've got plenty of cash.
Get
(Nonstandard) To have current possession of. Used in the past tense form with the meaning of the present
They got a nice house in town.
Get
To have as an obligation. Used in the present perfect form with the meaning of the present
I have got to leave early. You've got to do the dishes.
Get
(Nonstandard) To have as an obligation. Used in the past tense with the meaning of the present
They got to clean up this mess.
Get
To become or grow to be
Eventually got well.
Get
To be successful in coming or going
When will we get to Dallas?.
Get
To be able or permitted
Never got to see Europe.
Finally got to work at home.
Get
To be successful in becoming
Get free of a drug problem.
Get
Used with the past participle of transitive verbs as a passive voice auxiliary
Got stung by a bee.
Get
To become drawn in, entangled, or involved
Got into debt.
Get into a hassle.
Get
(Informal) To depart immediately
Yelled at the dog to get.
Get
To work for gain or profit; make money
Do you feel as though you're exhausting yourself getting and not making enough for spending?.
Get
Progeny; offspring
A thoroughbred's get.
Get
Chiefly British Slang git2.
Get
(Sports) A return, as in tennis, on a shot that seems impossible to reach.
Get
A document presented by a husband to his wife whereby a divorce is effected between them according to Jewish religious law.
Get
A divorce effected by a get.
Get
(ditransitive) To obtain; to acquire.
I'm going to get a computer tomorrow from the discount store.
Lance is going to get Mary a ring.
Get
(transitive) To receive.
I got a computer from my parents for my birthday.
You need to get permission to leave early.
He got a severe reprimand for that.
Get
To have. See usage notes.
I've got a concert ticket for you.
Get
(transitive) To fetch, bring, take.
Can you get my bag from the living-room, please?
I need to get this to the office.
Get
(copulative) To become, or cause oneself to become.
I'm getting hungry; how about you?
I'm going out to get drunk.
Get
(transitive) To cause to become; to bring about.
That song gets me so depressed every time I hear it.
I'll get this finished by lunchtime.
I can't get these boots off (or on).
Get
(transitive) To cause to do.
Somehow she got him to agree to it.
I can't get it to work.
Get
(transitive) To cause to come or go or move.
I got him to his room.
Get
To adopt, assume, arrive at, or progress towards (a certain position, location, state).
The actors are getting into position.
When are we going to get to London?
I'm getting into a muddle.
We got behind the wall.
Get
(transitive) To cover (a certain distance) while travelling.
To get a mile
Get
(intransitive) To begin (doing something or to do something).
We ought to get moving or we'll be late.
After lunch we got chatting.
I'm getting to like him better now.
Get
(transitive) To take or catch (a scheduled transportation service).
I normally get the 7:45 train.
I'll get the 9 a.m. [flight] to Boston.
Get
(transitive) To respond to (a telephone call, a doorbell, etc).
Can you get that call, please? I'm busy.
Get
To be able, be permitted, or have the opportunity (to do something desirable or ironically implied to be desirable).
I'm so jealous that you got to see them perform live!
The finders get to keep 80 percent of the treasure.
Great. I get to clean the toilets today.
Get
To be told; be the recipient of (a question, comparison, opinion, etc.).
"You look just like Helen Mirren." / "I get that a lot."
Get
(informal) To be. Used to form the passive of verbs.
He got bitten by a dog.
Get
(transitive) To become ill with or catch (a disease).
I went on holiday and got malaria.
Get
To catch out, trick successfully.
He keeps calling pretending to be my boss—it gets me every time.
Get
To perplex, stump.
That question's really got me.
Get
(transitive) To find as an answer.
What did you get for question four?
Get
To bring to reckoning; to catch (as a criminal); to effect retribution.
The cops finally got me.
I'm gonna get him for that.
Get
(transitive) To hear completely; catch.
Sorry, I didn't get that. Could you repeat it?
Get
(transitive) To getter.
I put the getter into the container to get the gases.
Get
To beget (of a father).
Get
(archaic) To learn; to commit to memory; to memorize; sometimes with out.
To get a lesson;
To get out one's Greek lesson
Get
Used with a personal pronoun to indicate that someone is being pretentious or grandiose.
Get her with her new hairdo.
Get
To go, to leave; to scram.
Get
To make acquisitions; to gain; to profit.
Get
(transitive) To measure.
Did you get her temperature?
Get
(dated) Offspring.
Get
Lineage.
Get
A difficult return or block of a shot.
Get
(informal) Something gained; an acquisition.
Get
A git.
Get
(Judaism) A Jewish writ of divorce.
Get
Jet, the mineral.
Get
Fashion; manner; custom.
Get
Artifice; contrivance.
Get
Offspring; progeny; as, the get of a stallion.
Get
A divorce granted by a Rabbi in accordance with Jewish law; also, the document attesting to the divorce.
Get
To procure; to obtain; to gain possession of; to acquire; to earn; to obtain as a price or reward; to come by; to win, by almost any means; as, to get favor by kindness; to get wealth by industry and economy; to get land by purchase, etc.
Get
Hence, with have and had, to come into or be in possession of; to have.
Thou hast got the face of man.
Get
To beget; to procreate; to generate.
I had rather to adopt a child than get it.
Get
To obtain mental possession of; to learn; to commit to memory; to memorize; as to get a lesson; also with out; as, to get out one's Greek lesson.
It being harder with him to get one sermon by heart, than to pen twenty.
Get
To prevail on; to induce; to persuade.
Get him to say his prayers.
Get
To procure to be, or to cause to be in any state or condition; - with a following participle.
Those things I bid you do; get them dispatched.
Get
To betake; to remove; - in a reflexive use.
Get thee out from this land.
He . . . got himself . . . to the strong town of Mega.
Get
To make acquisition; to gain; to profit; to receive accessions; to be increased.
We mourn, France smiles; we lose, they daily get.
Get
To arrive at, or bring one's self into, a state, condition, or position; to come to be; to become; - with a following adjective or past participle belonging to the subject of the verb; as, to get sober; to get awake; to get beaten; to get elected.
To get rid of fools and scoundrels.
His chariot wheels get hot by driving fast.
Get
Come into the possession of something concrete or abstract;
She got a lot of paintings from her uncle
They acquired a new pet
Get your results the next day
Get permission to take a few days off from work
Get
Enter or assume a certain state or condition;
He became annoyed when he heard the bad news
It must be getting more serious
Her face went red with anger
She went into ecstasy
Get going!
Get
Cause to move; cause to be in a certain position or condition;
He got his squad on the ball
This let me in for a big surprise
He got a girl into trouble
Get
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
Get
Reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress;
She arrived home at 7 o'clock
She didn't get to Chicago until after midnight
Get
Go or come after and bring or take back;
Get me those books over there, please
Could you bring the wine?
The dog fetched the hat
Get
Of mental or physical states or experiences;
Get an idea
Experience vertigo
Get nauseous
Undergo a strange sensation
The chemical undergoes a sudden change
The fluid undergoes shear
Receive injuries
Have a feeling
Get
Take vengeance on or get even;
We'll get them!
That'll fix him good!
This time I got him
Get
Achieve a point or goal;
Nicklaus had a 70
The Brazilian team got 4 goals
She made 29 points that day
Get
Cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner;
The ads induced me to buy a VCR
My children finally got me to buy a computer
My wife made me buy a new sofa
Get
Succeed in catching or seizing, especially after a chase;
We finally got the suspect
Did you catch the thief?
Get
Be stricken by an illness, fall victim to an illness;
He got AIDS
She came down with pneumonia
She took a chill
Get
Communicate with a place or person; establish communication with, as if by telephone;
Bill called this number and he got Mary
The operator couldn't get Kobe because of the earthquake
Get
Give certain properties to something;
Get someone mad
She made us look silly
He made a fool of himself at the meeting
Don't make this into a big deal
This invention will make you a millionaire
Make yourself clear
Get
Move into a desired direction of discourse;
What are you driving at?
Get
Grasp with the mind or develop an undersatnding of;
Did you catch that allusion?
We caught something of his theory in the lecture
Don't catch your meaning
Did you get it?
She didn't get the joke
I just don't get him
Get
Attract and fix;
His look caught her
She caught his eye
Catch the attention of the waiter
Get
Reach with a blow or hit in a particular spot;
The rock caught her in the back of the head
The blow got him in the back
The punch caught him in the stomach
Get
Reach by calculation;
What do you get when you add up these numbers?
Get
Acquire as a result of some effort or action;
You cannot get water out of a stone
Where did she get these news?
Get
Purchase;
What did you get at the toy store?
Get
Perceive by hearing;
I didn't catch your name
She didn't get his name when they met the first time
Get
Suffer from the receipt of;
She will catch hell for this behavior!
Get
Receive as a retribution or punishment;
He got 5 years in prison
Get
Leave immediately; used usually in the imperative form;
Scram!
Get
Reach and board;
She got the bus just as it was leaving
Get
Irritate;
Her childish behavior really get to me
His lying really gets me
Get
Evoke an emotional response;
Brahms's `Requiem' gets me every time
Get
Apprehend and reproduce accurately;
She really caught the spirit of the place in her drawings
She got the mood just right in her photographs
Get
In baseball: earn or achieve a base by being walked by the pitcher;
He drew a base on balls
Get
Overcome or destroy;
The ice storm got my hibiscus
The cat got the goldfish
Get
Be a mystery or bewildering to;
This beats me!
Got me--I don't know the answer!
A vexing problem
This question really stuck me
Get
Take the first step or steps in carrying out an action;
We began working at dawn
Who will start?
Get working as soon as the sun rises!
The first tourists began to arrive in Cambodia
He began early in the day
Let's get down to work now
Get
Undergo (as of injuries and illnesses);
She suffered a fracture in the accident
He had an insulin shock after eating three candy bars
She got a bruise on her leg
He got his arm broken in the scuffle
Get
Make children;
Abraham begot Isaac
Men often father children but don't recognize them
Common Curiosities
Can "get" and "obtain" be used interchangeably?
While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, "obtain" is more formal and implies a deliberate process, unlike the more versatile and casual "get."
How does using "obtain" change the tone of a sentence?
Using "obtain" can make a sentence sound more sophisticated, official, or precise, especially in academic or professional contexts.
Does "obtain" imply difficulty in acquisition?
"Obtain" can imply that some effort or specific conditions are necessary for acquisition, but it doesn't inherently mean the process is difficult.
Is "obtain" only used for physical items?
"Obtain" can be used for both physical items and intangible things like information, permissions, or qualifications.
Are there contexts where "get" is preferred over "obtain"?
In informal speech, personal communications, and when referring to a wide range of actions beyond acquisition, "get" is often preferred.
How does "get" imply a broader range of meanings than "obtain"?
"Get" covers a wide range of actions beyond acquisition, including becoming, arriving, and understanding, making it more versatile than "obtain."
When should I use "obtain" instead of "get"?
Use "obtain" in more formal contexts or when referring to acquiring something through specific efforts or procedures.
Is "get" appropriate for formal writing?
"Get" is generally considered less formal and might be replaced with more specific verbs like "obtain," "acquire," or "receive" in formal writing.
What are some synonyms for "obtain" and "get"?
Synonyms for "obtain" include "acquire," "procure," and "secure," while "get" can be replaced with "receive," "gain," or "fetch," depending on the context.
How does "obtain" reflect the effort in acquisition?
"Obtain" suggests that acquisition involves a certain level of effort, intention, or adherence to a process, reflecting a more active pursuit.
Can the use of "get" in professional settings diminish the formality of communication?
Depending on the context, using "get" in professional settings might reduce the formality, so more precise or formal verbs might be chosen instead.
Can "get" refer to understanding or comprehension?
Yes, "get" can also mean to understand something, as in "I don't get this math problem."
Can "obtain" be used in casual conversations?
While it can be used in casual conversations, "obtain" might sound overly formal and is less common in everyday speech.
How does the choice between "get" and "obtain" affect readability?
Choosing "get" can make text more relatable and easier to read in casual contexts, while "obtain" might be preferred for clarity and formality in professional settings.
How do cultural differences affect the use of "get" and "obtain"?
Cultural differences can influence the perceived formality of these words, with some cultures favoring the more formal "obtain" in professional contexts.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Autophagy vs. Apoptosis
Next Comparison
Burette vs. PipetteAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
