ob-

toward, against; in the way

Forms

ob-
oc- — Used before c in Latin.
of- — Used before f in Latin.
op- — Used before p in Latin.

Origin

Usually traced to reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *epi, ‘on; near; against.’

Note

Facing something can suggest either approaching it or standing in its way.

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verb

obtain

ub-TAYN/əbˈteɪn/

To get or secure something.

He obtains a key from the attendant.

An older man obtains a key: a younger attendant releases a plain house key into his open palm across a small counter.

Etymology

obLatintoward, against; in the way

+tainLatinhold, keep

The central image is taking hold of something, with ob- perhaps strengthening the idea of holding. Taking hold extends naturally to gaining possession or acquiring.

In context

Frank Tufano13:03

if you want to obtain a high amount of DHA in the diet fish wild-caught fish is the best source

Why VITAMINS are IMPORTANT: Fat Soluble Vitamins from Animal Foods

More examples

You can obtain a copy from the records office.
The team obtained funding for another year.
He struggled to obtain reliable information.

Forms

obtain · obtains · obtained · obtaining

Similar words

acquire: Often suggests gaining possession over time or through deliberate effort.
get: The ordinary informal alternative.