Acquire vs. Procure: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on January 7, 2024
Acquire means to come into possession or ownership of something, often gradually, while procure implies obtaining something with effort or care, often through a formal process.
Key Differences
Acquire is a general term for coming into possession or ownership of something, which can be through buying, inheriting, or receiving. Procure suggests a more active effort in obtaining something, often something specific or necessary.
Acquiring often implies a less direct or immediate process, such as acquiring skills over time. Procuring often has a connotation of effort, strategy, or formal procedure, like procuring supplies for a business.
Acquire doesn't necessarily imply a formal process; one can acquire things casually or incidentally. Procure often implies a more deliberate and sometimes formalized process of obtaining something.
Acquire can refer to obtaining both tangible items and intangible skills or qualities, while procure is more commonly used for tangible items, especially in business or logistical contexts.
Acquire is used broadly in various contexts, from everyday life to business and education. Procure is often used in supply chain management, business, and military contexts, emphasizing the process of obtaining supplies or equipment.
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Comparison Chart
General Meaning
Come into possession or ownership
Obtain with effort or care
Context and Connotations
Less direct process, broader applications
Active effort, strategy, often formal
Implication of Effort
Can be casual or incidental
Implies deliberate and formal process
Nature of Items
Both tangible and intangible
Usually tangible, especially in business
Application
Broad: everyday life, business, education
Specific: supply chain, business, military
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Acquire and Procure Definitions
Acquire
Can mean learning or developing a skill or habit.
He acquired proficiency in Spanish over several years.
Procure
Often implies a gradual process of obtaining.
The company acquired a reputation for excellent customer service.
Acquire
Often implies a gradual process of obtaining.
The company acquired a reputation for excellent customer service.
Procure
To come into possession or control of something.
The museum acquired several new pieces for its collection.
Acquire
To gain possession or ownership of something.
She acquired a rare book at the antique shop.
Procure
Can mean learning or developing a skill or habit.
He acquired proficiency in Spanish over several years.
Acquire
To come into possession or control of something.
The museum acquired several new pieces for its collection.
Procure
To gain possession or ownership of something.
She acquired a rare book at the antique shop.
Acquire
Can involve receiving something as a gift or inheritance.
They acquired a family heirloom from their grandparents.
Procure
Can involve receiving something as a gift or inheritance.
They acquired a family heirloom from their grandparents.
Acquire
To gain possession of
Acquire 100 shares of stock.
Procure
To get by special effort; obtain or acquire
Managed to procure a pass.
Acquire
To get by one's own efforts
Acquire proficiency in math.
Procure
To bring about; effect
Procure a solution to a knotty problem.
FAQs
What does it mean to acquire something?
To come into possession or ownership of something.
Is procuring always a quick process?
No, procuring can involve careful planning and effort.
What does procure mean?
To obtain something with effort or through a formal process.
Do companies procure services?
Yes, companies can procure services like consulting.
Is procure used for acquiring skills?
Rarely, it's more used for tangible items.
How is procure used in supply chain management?
For obtaining raw materials or products.
Can acquire imply a gradual process?
Yes, acquiring can be a gradual process like acquiring knowledge.
Can a business acquire another company?
Yes, businesses often acquire other companies.
Does acquire always involve buying?
No, it can involve inheriting or receiving as well.
Do governments procure goods?
Yes, governments procure goods and services for public use.
Can acquire be used for intangible things?
Yes, like acquiring skills or habits.
Is procuring always active?
Generally, it involves active effort.
Can individuals acquire assets?
Yes, like acquiring property or investments.
Does procure imply buying?
Often, but it can also mean securing through other means.
Is procuring a specialized term?
It's more specialized, often used in business and logistics.
Is acquiring common in everyday language?
Yes, it's commonly used in various contexts.
Can acquire be used in legal contexts?
Yes, like acquiring rights or property.
Is procure used in military contexts?
Yes, especially for obtaining equipment or supplies.
What is an example of acquiring in education?
Acquiring knowledge in a specific field.
Can acquire be passive?
Yes, one can acquire something without active effort.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
