get
verb (transitive)
to arrive at or reach a place or state; to become or come to be
Example Sentences
I usually get home around six in the evening.
We need to get there before the meeting starts.
She hopes to get better at playing the guitar soon.
If you don't rest, you might get sick.
He was surprised to get lost in a city he knew so well.
You’ll get tired if you push yourself too hard without breaks.
After months of study and practice, she began to get more confident in her speaking abilities, stepping onstage with far less anxiety than before.
It often takes time to truly get comfortable in a new environment, but once you do, it can feel like you’ve lived there your entire life.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun (countable)
an acquisition or catch, especially something gained or obtained (informal usage)
Example Sentences
That signed jersey was quite a get for the sports memorabilia collector.
Her exclusive interview with the celebrity was a major get for the magazine.
The rare coin I found at the flea market turned out to be a real get.
Securing the leading actor for the film is a huge get for the production team.
Snagging front-row concert tickets was an unexpected get for me and my friends.
The brand-new job opportunity in his hometown was the perfect get, combining career growth and proximity to family.
Sometimes a special item comes along that truly feels like the ultimate get, especially if it’s something you’ve been seeking for years but never expected to find in pristine condition.
For the reporter, obtaining the first official statement from the newly elected official was a remarkable get, earning her widespread recognition from both her peers and the public.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To acquire, obtain, or come to be in a certain condition.“Get” is one of the most versatile verbs in English, serving functions such as acquiring objects or information (“I will get some groceries”), becoming a certain way (“He got tired”), and traveling or arriving (“We need to get to the station by noon”). It can express obtaining something intangible (“She got an idea from the meeting”) or tangible (“He got a new phone”). You may see “get” in various contexts: casual speech, formal emails, academic writing, marketing copy, or even idioms. In instructions, “get” can guide readers toward a goal (“Get all the ingredients ready before cooking”). In explanations, it can outline shifts in state (“The room gets warmer in the afternoon”). Meanwhile, in narratives, “get” can track character development (“They got closer over time”). However, to maintain clarity and avoid repetition, pair “get” with specific details. You might replace “get” with “obtain,” “gain,” or “become” when precision is required. Overall, “get” helps communicate a range of actions, transformations, and acquisitions, making it indispensable in both spoken and written English. When using “get,” simply align it with context and intent, ensuring you convey the desired action or change accurately and naturally.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for a richer vocabulary that captures similar ideas to “get,” several alternatives exist. To emphasize gaining possession, you can use “obtain” or “acquire.” These words lend a more formal air, often seen in academic or professional writing. If you want to underscore earning or deserving something, consider “gain” or “secure,” which imply effort or achievement. “Receive” spotlights the act of being given something, whereas “take on” highlights responsibility or acceptance—such as “take on new tasks at work.” To convey transformation, “become” or “grow” might be more precise: “He grew wiser over time” sounds more descriptive than “He got wiser.” In conversation that involves grabbing something, “pick up” may fit naturally (“I’ll pick up some snacks on the way”). Meanwhile, “come by” or “procure” can suggest a more deliberate or even challenging process. By swapping in these synonyms strategically, you not only avoid repeating “get,” but also shape the nuance of your message: whether it’s emphasizing effort, formality, transformation, or simplicity. Each alternative offers a slightly different flavor, allowing you to express complex ideas with clarity and style.
Writing
When writing with “get,” be mindful of how its broad usage can both help and hinder clarity. On the plus side, “get” is direct, immediately graspable by readers in a variety of contexts. If you’re writing an informal blog post or an email to colleagues, it can lend a casual, friendly tone: “I hope you get this soon.” However, in academic or professional texts, consider whether a more precise verb might better express your meaning. For instance, “obtain additional data” or “receive crucial feedback” can sound more specific and polished than “get more data” or “get feedback.” Also, watch for over-reliance on “get,” since repetitive usage can weaken your prose. Varying your vocabulary keeps your text dynamic: “They acquired resources,” “They gained support,” or “They arrived at a solution” can each replace a version of “get.” Furthermore, consider how “get” can fit smoothly into idioms or phrasal verbs like “get across,” “get over,” or “get along,” which add flair and informality. In sum, choose “get” when you want a succinct, conversational tone, but turn to synonyms for a sharper, more detailed, or more formal style, enhancing the overall impact of your writing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “get” is one of the most common and adaptable words to use. Whether you’re talking about grabbing coffee—“I’ll get a latte”—or describing an emotional shift—“I’m starting to get excited”—this little verb packs a punch. You might tell a friend, “Don’t worry, you’ll get through it,” offering encouragement. Often, “get” serves a social function, too: “Let’s get together next week” or “I finally got hold of her last night.” Phrasal verbs built around “get”—“get on,” “get off,” “get over,” “get along,” “get by”—show up constantly in casual speech. They add nuance and colloquial color, making your conversation sound natural. Using “get” also helps keep things straightforward; it rarely feels stiff or overly formal. For example, “I need to get groceries before dinner” is easy and clear. That said, if you want to spice up your vocabulary, occasionally swap in synonyms like “grab,” “pick up,” or “receive.” Still, “get” remains an everyday hero for describing countless personal, social, and practical situations in a concise, comfortable way.
Etymology
“Get” has its roots in Old Norse “geta,” meaning “to obtain” or “to grasp,” which filtered into Middle English through the influence of Scandinavian settlers in Britain. This Norse heritage appears in many northern dialects, forming a foundation for numerous English words related to acquiring, understanding, or bringing something about. Over centuries, “get” has broadened beyond the narrow sense of simply obtaining. It can suggest transformations—“get ready,” “get older,” or “get better”—as well as catching onto an idea (“I get it now!”). Meanwhile, idiomatic phrases like “get lost,” “get moving,” or “get cracking” reflect English speakers’ penchant for folding “get” into all manner of everyday expressions. Interestingly, the past participle “gotten,” more common in American English, shows how the word has branched linguistically. Despite differences across dialects, “get” remains hugely popular, bridging casual, formal, and creative realms. Its deep Scandinavian roots reveal how language evolves through cultural mingling and continual use, shaping a concise, flexible verb that seamlessly adapts to countless contexts in modern English.