Acquire Or Aquire – How To Spell The Word Correctly

26.08.24 Spelling mistakes Time to read: 2min

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Mastering the spelling of English words can be difficult, especially for people from various linguistic backgrounds or those who struggle with pronunciation. One commonly misspelled word is “acquire,” often incorrectly written as “aquire.” This guide seeks to provide the correct spelling of this frequent spelling mistake, accompanied by example sentences and answers to common questions about it.

The correct spelling of “acquire”

The word “acquire” functions grammatically as a verb in English. It refers to the act of obtaining or gaining something through one’s own efforts, by purchasing, or by being given. The verb can be used in various tenses and forms, including its past tense “acquired” and the gerund or present participle “acquiring.”

The origin of “acquire” is from the Latin word “acquirere,” which means “to seek in addition” or “to gain, earn, obtain,” composed of the prefix “ad-“ (toward) and “quaerere” (to seek). This Latin root supports the meaning of actively seeking or gaining something, which is reflected in its use in modern English.

Correct spelling

acquire

Incorrect spelling

aquire

The word “acquire” is often misspelled as “aquire” primarily due to pronunciation and the influence of English spelling patterns. The initial sound in “acquire” can be somewhat misleading, sounding more like “uh-” or “ah-” to many speakers, which might not immediately suggest the presence of a “c” after the initial “a.” Additionally, English spelling often omits the “c” in similar-sounding words, leading to confusion.

Furthermore, English spelling rules can be inconsistent, and the “ac-” prefix, while common, is not always intuitive, especially for non-native speakers or those not frequently encountering the word. This can result in the simpler and phonetically logical misspelling “aquire.”

Examples

  • She hopes to acquire a new skill by taking online courses.
  • The museum managed to acquire several rare paintings last year.
  • To acquire fluency in a language, regular practice is essential.

FAQs

Yes, “acquire” is a verb meaning to obtain or gain something, while “acquisition” is a noun referring to the act of acquiring something or something that has been acquired.

“Acquire” means to gain possession or ownership of something, often through effort or purchase.

Here’s an exemplary sentence: He plans to acquire a new car by saving money from his job.

The correct spelling is “acquired” with a “c.”

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