Obtainable

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /əbˈteɪnəbl̩/

Definitions

  1. Capable of being acquired, secured, or achieved through effort or available means
  2. Possible to be acquired or accessed through means of effort, availability, or negotiation
  3. Able to be secured, achieved, or accessed through the relevant resources, means, or actions

Etymology: The term "obtainable" emerges from a lineage of words connected to the act of acquiring or securing something. Its roots trace back to the verb "obtain," which itself is derived from the Latin "obtinere," meaning "to hold or possess." This Latin verb is composed of "ob," meaning "against" or "in the way of," and "tenere," which translates to "to hold." The combination suggests a sense of actively holding something against obstacles or challenges, which resonates with the modern notion of acquiring something through effort. "Obtain" made its entry into English around the late 14th century, initially bearing the meaning of acquiring or getting something, especially in a formal or legal context. As the language evolved, the adjective "obtainable" appeared in the 19th century, encapsulating the idea that something can be acquired or is accessible. The suffix "-able," meaning "capable of" or "worthy of," transforms the verb into an adjective, thereby indicating the potential for acquisition. Over time, the meaning of this term has remained relatively stable, focusing on the accessibility of goods, information, or opportunities. It reflects the broader human experience of striving to achieve or secure various entities in life, be they tangible or intangible. The evolution from a Latin root into a practical English adjective illustrates the language's capacity to adapt and convey complex ideas succinctly. In contemporary usage, "obtainable" continues to convey a sense of availability and possibility, reminding us that many things worth pursuing are, indeed, within reach if only one is willing to make the effort to acquire them.

Synonyms: accessible, acquirable, attainable, reachable, available

Antonyms: unobtainable, inaccessible, unattainable