acquisition
ak-wih-ZISH-uhn
/ˌæk.wɪˈzɪʃ.ən/
The subconscious or natural process of gaining a skill, language, or habit through exposure.
In linguistics, specifically distinguished from intentional rule learning; it is natural, implicit internalization.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'quaerere' (to seek). Entered Middle English via Old French to describe acquiring property or knowledge through sustained effort or exposure.
Word relationships
- internalization: 'Internalization' focuses on integrating concepts into memory, whereas acquisition covers the broader uptake process.
- loss: The state of no longer possessing something.
Commonly confused with
- learning: In SLA theory, learning is conscious study of formal rules, while acquisition is natural subconscious absorption.
Word family
- acquire (verb): To gain or obtain for oneself.
- acquisitive (adjective): Eager to acquire and possess.
Collocations
- language acquisition
- acquisition process
- data acquisition
- skill acquisition
Example sentences
- "Stephen Krashen famously argued that child language acquisition happens naturally through exposure to comprehensible input." Linguistic Theory
- "Second language acquisition becomes more challenging after the critical developmental period of early childhood." Cognitive Psychology
Memory hook
To acquire knowledge is an ACQUISITION—you ADD it to your mental stash. Acquisition = natural gathering of skills.
When not to use
Avoid using for explicit memorization of vocabulary lists or grammar tables.
Fun facts
- Linguist Stephen Krashen's Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis is one of the most influential frameworks in language teaching.
Related words
Explore more words
retention, dominate, procurement, transaction, annexation, requisition
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