Acquired or Aquired

Which spelling is correct?

Learn the difference between "Acquired" and "Aquired". These are commonly confused spellings and how to use them correctly.

❌ Aquired
This spelling is incorrect. "Aquired" is missing the "c" - it should be "acquired."
✅ Acquired
This is the correct spelling. "Acquired" is the past tense and past participle of acquire.

Definition

Acquired (verb, past tense/past participle): Gained, obtained, or come to have something; learned or developed a skill, habit, or quality.

Examples:

  • She acquired a new skill through practice.
  • The company acquired several smaller businesses.
  • He had acquired a taste for classical music.

Synonyms

Words with similar meanings to "acquired":
  • Obtained
  • Gained
  • Got
  • Secured
  • Attained
  • Procured
  • Collected
  • Developed
Related terms:
  • Acquisition
  • Acquire
  • Acquiring
  • Purchased
  • Bought
  • Learned
  • Mastered
  • Possessed

Usage Notes

Note: "Acquired" is the correct spelling. "Aquired" is a common misspelling—remember to include the "c" after the "a."

Tip: Think of "acquire" + "ed" to remember the correct spelling. The word comes from Latin "acquirere" meaning to seek in addition to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it aquired or acquired?
The correct spelling is "acquired." "Aquired" is incorrect—it's missing the "c."
How to pronounce acquired?
It's pronounced as /əˈkwaɪərd/ (uh-KWIRE-d).
What does acquired mean?
Acquired means gained, obtained, or come to have something; learned or developed a skill, habit, or quality.
How do you use acquired in a sentence?
You can say "She acquired a new language" or "The company acquired a competitor last year."
Is acquired formal or informal?
Acquired is more formal and is commonly used in professional, academic, and business contexts.
What's the difference between acquired and got?
Acquired is more formal and suggests a deliberate process, while got is more casual and general.
Can acquired be used in everyday conversation?
Yes! "I acquired a new skill" or "She acquired a taste for coffee" are common uses.
What's the base form of acquired?
The base form is "acquire" - meaning to gain, obtain, or come to have something.
What's the present tense of acquired?
The present tense is "acquire" - "She acquires new skills regularly."
What's the origin of acquired?
Acquired comes from Latin "acquirere" meaning to seek in addition to, from "ad" (to) + "quaerere" (to seek).
Is acquired used in business contexts?
Yes! "The company acquired new technology" or "We acquired new clients" are common in business settings.
What are common phrases with acquired?
Common phrases include: acquired knowledge, acquired skills, acquired property, and acquired taste.

Summary

Correct spelling: Acquired

Incorrect spelling: Aquired

Meaning: Gained, obtained, or come to have something; learned or developed a skill, habit, or quality.

Remember: Always include the "c" in acquired. Think of "acquire" + "ed" to remember the correct spelling.