Access vs. Obtain: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 12, 2023
To gain entry or use of something. To get hold of or acquire something.
Key Differences
Access and Obtain, both verbs, have divergent connotations. "Access" typically implies the ability to enter, use, or approach something. In a computer system, a user might access a file, indicating interaction or usage without implying possession. Conversely, "obtain" involves gaining possession of something. When you obtain a document, it suggests a successful effort to get hold of it, making it yours to use as you see fit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Using access implies a focus on the act of reaching or using something, potentially distant or protected. For instance, in digital environments, one might access data, reaching through a network to interact with it. Obtain leans towards the accomplishment of gaining possession or procuring something. It doesn’t merely involve reaching or interacting with an entity, but ensuring that it's in your control or possession.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
In legal contexts, "access" might indicate the ability to interact with resources or information, such as accessing records. This doesn’t denote ownership or possession, merely interaction. On the other hand, to "obtain" legal documents means you've secured copies for your own use, showing a transfer of possession which "access" does not signify.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Differentiating between access and obtain also pivots around the tangibility of what is being discussed. For example, you access a website, implying a non-physical, interactive action. In contrast, obtaining a book suggests a physical act of acquiring a tangible object, reflecting a certain permanence and physicality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
In the realm of resources and opportunities, access might involve being able to utilize or take advantage of them without suggesting ownership. In a parallel context, obtain might be used to indicate the securement of a particular opportunity or resource, signaling a certain surety and possession, distinct from the mere ability to use or interact.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Implied Control
May not imply control or ownership.
Implies control or ownership.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Tangibility
Can refer to tangible and intangible.
Often refers to tangible items.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Use in Technology
Interacting or utilizing digitally.
Acquiring or downloading data.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
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Access and Obtain Definitions
Access
The ability to approach or enter a place.
The staff has access to the storage room.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Obtain
To achieve or earn something.
Through hard work, he obtained his degree.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Access
The opportunity to utilize or benefit from something.
The program provides students access to scholarships.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Obtain
To come into possession of something.
She was able to obtain the documents needed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Access
To make a connection with, especially digitally.
I cannot access the website due to server issues.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
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Obtain
To be prevalent, valid, or accepted.
These conditions no longer obtain in the modern era.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Access
A means of approaching, entering, exiting, communicating with, or making use of
A store with easy access.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Obtain
To succeed in gaining something, often with effort.
He managed to obtain information from the closed files.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Access
The ability or right to approach, enter, exit, communicate with, or make use of
Has access to the restricted area.
Has access to classified material.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Obtain
To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Obtain
To be in existence, in effect, or customary
"standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Obtain
(transitive) To get hold of; to gain possession of, to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
To obtain access to, especially by computer
Used a browser to access a website.
Accessed her bank account online.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
(uncountable) A way or means of approaching or entering; an entrance; a passage.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
(uncountable) The right or ability of approaching or entering; admittance; admission; accessibility.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Obtain
To hold; to keep; to possess.
His mother, then, is mortal, but his SireHe who obtains the monarchy of heaven.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
Connection to or communication with a computer program or to the Internet.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Obtain
To cause something to be under control.
The ruler obtained power through strategic alliances.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Access
To have access to (data).
I can't access most of the data on the computer without a password.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
A coming to, or near approach; admittance; admission; accessibility; as, to gain access to a prince.
I did repel his letters, and deniedHis access to me.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
The means, place, or way by which a thing may be approached; passage way; as, the access is by a neck of land.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
Admission to sexual intercourse.
During coverture, access of the husband shall be presumed, unless the contrary be shown.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
Increase by something added; addition; as, an access of territory. [In this sense accession is more generally used.]
I, from the influence of thy looks, receiveAccess in every virtue.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
An onset, attack, or fit of disease.
The first access looked like an apoplexy.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
The right to obtain or make use of or take advantage of something (as services or membership)
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
A way of entering or leaving;
He took a wrong turn on the access to the bridge
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
(computer science) the operation of reading or writing stored information
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
Obtain or retrieve from a storage device; as of information on a computer
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
Reach or gain access to;
How does one access the attic in this house?
I cannot get to the T.V. antenna, even if I climb on the roof
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 28, 2022
Access
To retrieve or interact with digital data.
Only authorized personnel can access the data.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Access
The right to approach, use, or communicate with.
Journalists should have access to public figures for interviews.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
Can "access" refer to digital interactions?
Yes, you can "access" websites, databases, and other digital platforms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can "access" imply a privilege?
Yes, having "access" to certain resources or spaces can be seen as a privilege or advantage.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
What does "access" primarily mean?
"Access" typically refers to the ability or right to use, enter, or approach something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can "access" be used as a noun?
Yes, "access" can be a noun, e.g., "He has access to the database."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Is "access" only related to physical and digital spaces?
No, "access" can also refer to the ability to use or benefit from something, like resources.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can "access" refer to gaining insights or information?
Yes, "access" can mean gaining the means to understand or learn about something.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Is "access" the same as "accessibility"?
No, while "access" is the ability to approach/use, "accessibility" relates to how easy it is to do so.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Does "access" imply ownership?
No, "access" does not imply ownership, just the ability to use or approach something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
What does it mean to "obtain" something?
To "obtain" means to get or take possession of something.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Can "obtain" refer to intangible things?
Yes, you can "obtain" physical items, as well as abstract things like degrees or skills.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Does "obtain" indicate a permanent acquisition?
No, "obtain" doesn’t indicate the duration of possession. It can be temporary or permanent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can everyone "access" something that is accessible?
Not necessarily. Even if something is accessible (can be accessed), specific permissions might restrict who can access it.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Is "obtaining" always a physical act?
No, "obtaining" can be both physical and non-physical, like acquiring knowledge or skills.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Does "obtain" always imply effort?
Often, but not always. The effort implied by "obtain" can range from minimal to significant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Is "obtain" synonymous with "get"?
Somewhat, but "obtain" often implies a conscious effort to acquire something, while "get" can be more casual.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Does "obtain" imply legality?
Not necessarily. While "obtain" typically assumes lawful acquisition, it can be used in contexts of unlawful possession.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Can "obtain" refer to future acquisitions?
Yes, "obtain" can refer to future acquisitions, e.g., "She will obtain her degree next year."
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Can "obtain" be used interchangeably with "attain"?
Not always. While similar, "attain" often refers to achieving through effort, often used with non-physical acquisitions like goals or states of being, while "obtain" may not imply a strenuous effort and often relates to acquiring tangible items.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Is "access" always legal?
No, one may "access" something in unauthorized or illegal ways, such as hacking.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can "obtain" be used in various contexts?
Yes, "obtain" is versatile and can be used in numerous contexts, from casual to formal.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
