Score vs. Obtain: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on October 23, 2023
"Score" refers to achieving points or marks in a game or test, while "Obtain" means to acquire or get possession of something.
Key Differences
"Score" and "Obtain" are two distinct verbs, each bearing unique connotations. "Score" often resonates within competitive or evaluative contexts, such as games, sports, or exams. When someone scores, they accumulate points, goals, or marks. Conversely, "Obtain" carries a broader purview, encapsulating the act of acquiring or gaining possession of something, be it tangible or intangible.
Within sports, the verb "Score" designates the action of achieving a goal, point, or run. It's a celebratory term, synonymous with success in competition. In contrast, "Obtain" is detached from the realm of competition. When someone obtains a book, they simply acquire or procure it, devoid of any competitive undertones.
Delving into academic circles, a student might "Score" high marks on an examination, signaling their proficiency or mastery of the subject matter. In parallel, a researcher might "Obtain" data or information essential for their study, focusing on the act of acquisition rather than achievement.
"Score" can also manifest in musical contexts, alluding to a written piece of music or the act of creating one. "Obtain", while not specifically linked to music, might surface when discussing the procurement of musical instruments or copyrights. Essentially, while "Score" often celebrates achievement, "Obtain" neutrally chronicles acquisition.
In essence, the disparity between "Score" and "Obtain" hinges on context and nuance. While "Score" predominantly commemorates achievements or creations, "Obtain" neutrally and broadly encapsulates acts of acquisition.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Achieve points or marks
Acquire or gain possession
Context
Competitive or evaluative
General acquisition
Nuance
Celebratory, success
Neutral act of getting
Associated Domains
Sports, exams, music
Shopping, research, collection
Degree of Specificity
Specific to achievements or creations
Broadly relates to acts of acquisition
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Score and Obtain Definitions
Score
Make a particular point or achievement.
He scored the winning goal in the match.
Obtain
Succeed in achieving or realizing.
The team obtained their goal of raising funds.
Score
A usually numerical record of a competitive event
Keeping score.
Obtain
Secure something desired or wanted.
They were able to obtain the necessary permits.
Score
The total number of points made by each competitor or side in a contest, either final or at a given stage
The score stood tied in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Obtain
Come into possession through effort or means.
He obtained the information after extensive research.
Score
The number of points attributed to a competitor or team.
Obtain
Achieve, especially in a test or exam.
Students aim to obtain high marks in their exams.
Score
A result, usually expressed numerically, of a test or examination.
Obtain
To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Score
An amount due; a debt.
Obtain
To be in existence, in effect, or customary
"standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield).
Score
A grievance that is harbored and requires satisfaction
Settle an old score.
Obtain
(Archaic) To succeed.
Score
A ground; a reason
You have nothing to worry about on that score.
Obtain
(transitive) To get hold of; to gain possession of, to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Score
A group of 20 items.
Obtain
To secure (that) a specific objective or state of affairs be reached.
Score
Scores Large numbers
Scores of people attended the rally.
Obtain
To prevail, be victorious; to succeed.
Score
The notation of a musical work.
Obtain
To hold; to keep, possess or occupy.
Score
The written form of a composition for orchestral or vocal parts.
Obtain
To exist or be the case; to hold true, be in force.
Score
The music written for a film or a play.
Obtain
To hold; to keep; to possess.
His mother, then, is mortal, but his SireHe who obtains the monarchy of heaven.
Score
The act of securing an advantage, especially a surprising or significant gain
"He had dropped out of school and gone for that quick dollar, that big score" (Peter Goldman).
Obtain
To get hold of by effort; to gain possession of; to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Some pray for riches; riches they obtain.
By guileful fair words peace may be obtained.
It may be that I may obtain children by her.
Score
The act or an instance of buying illicit drugs.
Obtain
To gain or have a firm footing; to be recognized or established; to become prevalent or general; to prevail; as, the custom obtains of going to the seashore in summer.
Sobriety hath by use obtained to signify temperance in drinking.
The Theodosian code, several hundred years after Justinian's time, did obtain in the western parts of Europe.
Score
A successful robbery.
Obtain
To prevail; to succeed.
So run that ye may obtain.
There is due from the judge to the advocate, some commendation, where causes are fair pleaded; especially towards the side which obtaineth not.
Score
An instance of having sexual intercourse with a desired partner.
Obtain
Come into possession of;
How did you obtain the visa?
Score
A notch or incision, especially one that is made to keep a tally.
Obtain
Receive a specified treatment (abstract);
These aspects of civilization do not find expression or receive an interpretation
His movie received a good review
I got nothing but trouble for my good intentions
Score
To achieve or accomplish
Scored a success in the play.
Obtain
Be valid, applicable, or true;
This theory still holds
Score
To achieve or gain in a game or contest
Score a touchdown.
Obtain
Acquire or gain possession.
She obtained a rare book from the auction.
Score
To count or be worth as points
A basket scores two points.
Score
To keep a written record of the score or events of (a game or contest).
Score
(Baseball) To cause (a base runner) to cross home plate, especially by getting a hit
Scored both runners with a double.
Score
To evaluate and assign a grade to
Score a test.
Score
To orchestrate (a piece of music).
Score
To arrange for a specific instrument.
Score
To criticize cuttingly; berate.
Score
To succeed in acquiring
Scored two tickets to the play.
Score
To succeed in obtaining (an illicit drug)
"Aging punks try to impress her with tales of ... the different drugs they've scored" (Art Jahnke).
Score
To mark (a piece of paper or wood, for example) with lines or notches, especially for the purpose of keeping a record.
Score
To cancel or eliminate by superimposing lines.
Score
To mark the surface of (meat, for example) with usually parallel cuts.
Score
To make a point or points in a game or contest.
Score
To record the score or progress of a game or contest.
Score
To achieve a purpose or advantage, especially to make a surprising gain or coup
"They ... score in places like the bond market" (Mike Barnicle).
Score
To succeed in having sexual relations with a desired partner.
Score
To succeed in buying or obtaining an illicit drug.
Score
The total number of goals, points, runs, etc. earned by a participant in a game.
The player with the highest score is the winner.
Score
The number of points accrued by each of the participants in a game, expressed as a ratio or a series of numbers.
The score is 8-1 even though it's not even half-time!
Score
The performance of an individual or group on an examination or test, expressed by a number, letter, or other symbol; a grade.
The test scores for this class were high.
Score
Twenty, 20.
Some words have scores of meanings.
Score
(gambling) An amount of money won in gambling; winnings.
Score
A distance of twenty yards, in ancient archery and gunnery.
Score
A weight of twenty pounds.
Score
(music) The written form of a musical composition showing all instrumental and vocal parts.
Score
(music) The music of a movie or play.
Score
Subject.
Score
Account; reason; motive; sake; behalf.
Score
A notch or incision; especially, one that is made as a tally mark; hence, a mark, or line, made for the purpose of account.
Score
An account or reckoning; account of dues; bill; debt.
Score
A criminal act, especially:
Score
A robbery.
Let's pull a score!
Score
A bribe paid to a police officer.
Score
An illegal sale, especially of drugs.
He made a big score.
Score
A prostitute's client.
Score
A sexual conquest.
Score
In the Lowestoft area, a narrow pathway running down a cliff to the beach.
Score
(transitive) To cut a notch or a groove in a surface.
The baker scored the cake so that the servers would know where to slice it.
Score
(intransitive) To record the tally of points for a game, a match, or an examination.
Score
(ambitransitive) To obtain something desired.
Score
To earn points in a game.
It is unusual for a team to score a hundred goals in one game.
Pelé scores again!
Score
To achieve (a score) in e.g. a test.
Score
(gambling) To win money by gambling.
Score
(slang) To acquire or gain.
I scored some drugs last night.
Did you score tickets for the concert?
Score
To extract a bribe.
Score
To obtain a sexual favor.
Chris finally scored with Pat last week.
Score
(transitive) To provide (a film, etc.) with a musical score.
Score
Acknowledgement of success
Score
A notch or incision; especially, one that is made as a tally mark; hence, a mark, or line, made for the purpose of account.
Whereas, before, our forefathers had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused printing to be used.
Score
An account or reckoning; account of dues; bill; hence, indebtedness.
He parted well, and paid his score.
Score
Account; reason; motive; sake; behalf.
But left the trade, as many moreHave lately done on the same score.
You act your kindness in Cydaria's score.
Score
The number twenty, as being marked off by a special score or tally; hence, in pl., a large number.
Amongst three or four score hogsheads.
At length the queen took upon herself to grant patents of monopoly by scores.
Score
A distance of twenty yards; - a term used in ancient archery and gunnery.
Score
A weight of twenty pounds.
Score
The number of points gained by the contestants, or either of them, in any game, as in cards or cricket.
Score
A line drawn; a groove or furrow.
Score
The original and entire draught, or its transcript, of a composition, with the parts for all the different instruments or voices written on staves one above another, so that they can be read at a glance; - so called from the bar, which, in its early use, was drawn through all the parts.
Score
The grade received on an examination, such as those given in school or as a qualifying examination for a job or admission to school; - it may be expressed as a percentage of answers which are correct, or as a number or letter; as, a score of 98 in a civil service exam.
Does not the earth quit scores with all the elements in the noble fruits that issue from it?
Score
To mark with lines, scratches, or notches; to cut notches or furrows in; to notch; to scratch; to furrow; as, to score timber for hewing; to score the back with a lash.
Let us score their backs.
A briar in that tangled wildernessHad scored her white right hand.
Score
Especially, to mark with significant lines or notches, for indicating or keeping account of something; as, to score a tally.
Score
To mark or signify by lines or notches; to keep record or account of; to set down; to record; to charge.
Madam, I know when,Instead of five, you scored me ten.
Nor need I tallies thy dear love to score.
Score
To engrave, as upon a shield.
Score
To make a score of, as points, runs, etc., in a game.
Score
To mark with parallel lines or scratches; as, the rocks of New England and the Western States were scored in the drift epoch.
Score
To keep the score in a game; to act as scorer.
Score
To make or count a point or points, as in a game; to tally.
Score
To run up a score, or account of dues.
Score
To succeed in finding a partner for sexual intercourse; to make a sexual conquest.
Score
To purchase drugs illegally.
Score
A number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance);
She made good marks in algebra
Grade A milk
What was your score on your homework?
Score
A written form of a musical composition; parts for different instruments appear on separate staves on large pages;
He studied the score of the sonata
Score
A number that expresses the accomplishment of a team or an individual in a game or contest;
The score was 7 to 0
Score
A set of twenty members;
A score were sent out but only one returned
Score
Grounds;
Don't do it on my account
The paper was rejected on account of its length
He tried to blame the victim but his success on that score was doubtful
Score
The facts about an actual situation;
He didn't know the score
Score
An amount due (as at a restaurant or bar);
Add it to my score and I'll settle later
Score
A slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)
Score
A resentment strong enough to justify retaliation;
Holding a grudge
Settling a score
Score
The act of scoring in a game or sport;
The winning score came with less than a minute left to play
Score
A seduction culminating in sexual intercourse;
Calling his seduction of the girl a `score' was a typical example of male slang
Score
Gain points in a game;
The home team scored many times
He hit a home run
He hit .300 in the past season
Score
Make small marks into the surface of;
Score the clay before firing it
Score
Make underscoring marks
Score
Write a musical score for
Score
Induce to have sex;
Harry finally seduced Sally
Did you score last night?
Harry made Sally
Score
Get a certain number or letter indicating quality or performance;
She scored high on the SAT
He scored a 200
Score
Assign a grade or rank to, according to one's evaluation;
Grade tests
Score the SAT essays
Mark homework
Score
Achieve points in a game or test.
She scored 95% on her math test.
Score
Notch or make a mark on something.
The artist scored the clay before molding it.
Score
Acquire or earn something.
They scored tickets to the sold-out concert.
Score
Represent as music notation.
The composer scored the symphony for an orchestra.
FAQs
Can I "Score" a book?
Not typically. "Score" usually refers to achievement, while you "Obtain" or acquire a book.
Can I use "Score" and "Obtain" interchangeably in academic contexts?
Sometimes. While you can "Score" high marks and "Obtain" good grades, the nuances are different.
Which term is broader in meaning?
"Obtain" is broader, referring to acquiring anything, while "Score" often relates to achievements.
Can "Obtain" refer to non-tangible things?
Yes, you can "Obtain" information, permissions, or knowledge.
Is "Score" only related to sports?
No, "Score" can refer to points in games, marks in exams, or even musical compositions.
Can "Obtain" imply effort?
Yes, "Obtain" can suggest that something was acquired through effort or means.
Is "Score" always celebratory?
Often, but not always. It primarily connotes achievement, but context matters.
Is "Obtain" passive?
No, "Obtain" is an active verb, emphasizing the act of acquisition.
Can I "Obtain" points in a game?
It's more common to "Score" points in a game, though "Obtain" can be understood in context.
How does "Score" relate to music?
"Score" can refer to a written piece of music or the act of notating music.
Which verb is more active, "Score" or "Obtain"?
Both are active, but "Score" often implies a direct accomplishment, while "Obtain" emphasizes acquisition.
Can you "Obtain" knowledge?
Yes, you can "Obtain" knowledge through study, experience, or instruction.
Does "Obtain" always suggest success?
Not always, but it implies successful acquisition when used in that context.
Can "Score" mean to criticize or rebuke?
Less commonly, but "Score" can mean to criticize or reprimand someone.
How is "Obtain" used in legal contexts?
In legal terms, one might "Obtain" permissions, rights, or evidence.
Can you "Score" in an art context?
Yes, artists might "Score" clay or other materials to create patterns or help with adhesion.
Does "Score" only relate to positive achievements?
Primarily, but in context, it can also denote any result or outcome.
Can a film have a "Score"?
Yes, a film's "Score" refers to its background music or soundtrack.
Is "Obtain" formal?
It can be, especially when compared to colloquial alternatives like "get" or "grab."
In what context might "Score" and "Obtain" overlap in meaning?
In contexts like exams where one can "Score" high marks or "Obtain" a good grade.
About Author
Written 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.
Edited 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.
