verb
obtain
To exist or be in effect in a particular situation.
The same conditions obtain throughout the region.
Etymology
Latin obtinere means to hold or maintain. The formal English sense keeps that idea of holding force: a condition obtains when it prevails or remains in effect.
More examples
- That rule no longer obtains in modern practice.
- Different customs obtained in the neighboring villages.
- The report described the circumstances then obtaining.
Forms
obtain · obtains · obtained · obtaining