Acquire vs. Obtain: 搞懂这两个英语单词的细微差别

很多同学在学习英语的过程中,常常会遇到一些看似意思相近,但实际用法却略有不同的单词。今天我们就来聊聊 "acquire" 和 "obtain" 这两个词。虽然它们都有获得、取得的意思,但在正式程度、获取方式和使用场合上还是存在一些细微的差别。

简单来说,"acquire" 比 "obtain" 更正式,也更强调一个逐渐获得、积累的过程,往往暗示着某种技能或知识的习得,或者通过努力而获得某种有价值的东西。而 "obtain" 则更通用,指通过各种方式获得某物,强调的是获得的结果。

让我们来看一些例句:

  • Acquire:

    • He acquired a valuable collection of stamps over many years. (多年来,他收藏积累了一套珍贵的邮票。)
    • She acquired a good understanding of the subject through diligent study. (通过勤奋学习,她对这个主题有了很好的理解。)
    • It takes time and effort to acquire fluency in a foreign language. (掌握一门外语需要时间和精力。)
  • Obtain:

    • I obtained a visa after a long wait. (经过长时间等待,我获得了签证。)
    • He obtained excellent results in the exam. (他在考试中取得了优异的成绩。)
    • To obtain a driver’s license, you need to pass the driving test. (要获得驾照,你需要通过驾驶考试。)

从例句中可以看出,"acquire" 更侧重于一个逐渐积累的过程,而 "obtain" 更侧重于获得的结果。当然,在很多情况下,这两个词可以互换使用,但如果想要更精准地表达,就需要根据具体的语境选择合适的单词。

Happy learning!

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