Score vs. Obtain: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 23, 2023
"Score" refers to achieving points or marks in a game or test, while "Obtain" means to acquire or get possession of something.
Key Differences
"Score" and "Obtain" are two distinct verbs, each bearing unique connotations. "Score" often resonates within competitive or evaluative contexts, such as games, sports, or exams. When someone scores, they accumulate points, goals, or marks. Conversely, "Obtain" carries a broader purview, encapsulating the act of acquiring or gaining possession of something, be it tangible or intangible.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Within sports, the verb "Score" designates the action of achieving a goal, point, or run. It's a celebratory term, synonymous with success in competition. In contrast, "Obtain" is detached from the realm of competition. When someone obtains a book, they simply acquire or procure it, devoid of any competitive undertones.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Delving into academic circles, a student might "Score" high marks on an examination, signaling their proficiency or mastery of the subject matter. In parallel, a researcher might "Obtain" data or information essential for their study, focusing on the act of acquisition rather than achievement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
"Score" can also manifest in musical contexts, alluding to a written piece of music or the act of creating one. "Obtain", while not specifically linked to music, might surface when discussing the procurement of musical instruments or copyrights. Essentially, while "Score" often celebrates achievement, "Obtain" neutrally chronicles acquisition.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
In essence, the disparity between "Score" and "Obtain" hinges on context and nuance. While "Score" predominantly commemorates achievements or creations, "Obtain" neutrally and broadly encapsulates acts of acquisition.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Degree of Specificity
Specific to achievements or creations
Broadly relates to acts of acquisition
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
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Score and Obtain Definitions
Score
Make a particular point or achievement.
He scored the winning goal in the match.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Obtain
Succeed in achieving or realizing.
The team obtained their goal of raising funds.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Obtain
Secure something desired or wanted.
They were able to obtain the necessary permits.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Score
The total number of points made by each competitor or side in a contest, either final or at a given stage
The score stood tied in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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Obtain
Come into possession through effort or means.
He obtained the information after extensive research.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Obtain
Achieve, especially in a test or exam.
Students aim to obtain high marks in their exams.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Obtain
To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Obtain
To be in existence, in effect, or customary
"standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
A grievance that is harbored and requires satisfaction
Settle an old score.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Obtain
(transitive) To get hold of; to gain possession of, to procure; to acquire, in any way.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Obtain
To hold; to keep; to possess.
His mother, then, is mortal, but his SireHe who obtains the monarchy of heaven.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
The act of securing an advantage, especially a surprising or significant gain
"He had dropped out of school and gone for that quick dollar, that big score" (Peter Goldman).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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
Oct 08, 2023
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
Oct 08, 2023
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
Oct 08, 2023
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
Oct 08, 2023
Obtain
Acquire or gain possession.
She obtained a rare book from the auction.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Score
To keep a written record of the score or events of (a game or contest).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
(Baseball) To cause (a base runner) to cross home plate, especially by getting a hit
Scored both runners with a double.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
To succeed in obtaining (an illicit drug)
"Aging punks try to impress her with tales of ... the different drugs they've scored" (Art Jahnke).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
To mark (a piece of paper or wood, for example) with lines or notches, especially for the purpose of keeping a record.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
To achieve a purpose or advantage, especially to make a surprising gain or coup
"They ... score in places like the bond market" (Mike Barnicle).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
The total number of goals, points, runs, etc. earned by a participant in a game.
The player with the highest score is the winner.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
The number of points accrued by each of the participants in a game, expressed as a ratio or a series of numbers.
The score is 8-1 even though it's not even half-time!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
The performance of an individual or group on an examination or test, expressed by a number, letter, or other symbol; a grade.
The test scores for this class were high.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
(music) The written form of a musical composition showing all instrumental and vocal parts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
A notch or incision; especially, one that is made as a tally mark; hence, a mark, or line, made for the purpose of account.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
In the Lowestoft area, a narrow pathway running down a cliff to the beach.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
(transitive) To cut a notch or a groove in a surface.
The baker scored the cake so that the servers would know where to slice it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
(intransitive) To record the tally of points for a game, a match, or an examination.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
To earn points in a game.
It is unusual for a team to score a hundred goals in one game.
Pelé scores again!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
(slang) To acquire or gain.
I scored some drugs last night.
Did you score tickets for the concert?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
A notch or incision; especially, one that is made as a tally mark; hence, a mark, or line, made for the purpose of account.
Whereas, before, our forefathers had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused printing to be used.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
An account or reckoning; account of dues; bill; hence, indebtedness.
He parted well, and paid his score.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
Account; reason; motive; sake; behalf.
But left the trade, as many moreHave lately done on the same score.
You act your kindness in Cydaria's score.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
The number twenty, as being marked off by a special score or tally; hence, in pl., a large number.
Amongst three or four score hogsheads.
At length the queen took upon herself to grant patents of monopoly by scores.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
A distance of twenty yards; - a term used in ancient archery and gunnery.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
The number of points gained by the contestants, or either of them, in any game, as in cards or cricket.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
The original and entire draught, or its transcript, of a composition, with the parts for all the different instruments or voices written on staves one above another, so that they can be read at a glance; - so called from the bar, which, in its early use, was drawn through all the parts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
The grade received on an examination, such as those given in school or as a qualifying examination for a job or admission to school; - it may be expressed as a percentage of answers which are correct, or as a number or letter; as, a score of 98 in a civil service exam.
Does not the earth quit scores with all the elements in the noble fruits that issue from it?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
To mark with lines, scratches, or notches; to cut notches or furrows in; to notch; to scratch; to furrow; as, to score timber for hewing; to score the back with a lash.
Let us score their backs.
A briar in that tangled wildernessHad scored her white right hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
Especially, to mark with significant lines or notches, for indicating or keeping account of something; as, to score a tally.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
To mark or signify by lines or notches; to keep record or account of; to set down; to record; to charge.
Madam, I know when,Instead of five, you scored me ten.
Nor need I tallies thy dear love to score.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
To mark with parallel lines or scratches; as, the rocks of New England and the Western States were scored in the drift epoch.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
To succeed in finding a partner for sexual intercourse; to make a sexual conquest.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
A number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance);
She made good marks in algebra
Grade A milk
What was your score on your homework?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
A written form of a musical composition; parts for different instruments appear on separate staves on large pages;
He studied the score of the sonata
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
A number that expresses the accomplishment of a team or an individual in a game or contest;
The score was 7 to 0
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
Grounds;
Don't do it on my account
The paper was rejected on account of its length
He tried to blame the victim but his success on that score was doubtful
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
An amount due (as at a restaurant or bar);
Add it to my score and I'll settle later
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
A resentment strong enough to justify retaliation;
Holding a grudge
Settling a score
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
The act of scoring in a game or sport;
The winning score came with less than a minute left to play
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
A seduction culminating in sexual intercourse;
Calling his seduction of the girl a `score' was a typical example of male slang
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
Gain points in a game;
The home team scored many times
He hit a home run
He hit .300 in the past season
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
Induce to have sex;
Harry finally seduced Sally
Did you score last night?
Harry made Sally
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
Get a certain number or letter indicating quality or performance;
She scored high on the SAT
He scored a 200
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
Assign a grade or rank to, according to one's evaluation;
Grade tests
Score the SAT essays
Mark homework
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Score
Notch or make a mark on something.
The artist scored the clay before molding it.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Score
Acquire or earn something.
They scored tickets to the sold-out concert.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Score
Represent as music notation.
The composer scored the symphony for an orchestra.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
Can I "Score" a book?
Not typically. "Score" usually refers to achievement, while you "Obtain" or acquire a book.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Can I use "Score" and "Obtain" interchangeably in academic contexts?
Sometimes. While you can "Score" high marks and "Obtain" good grades, the nuances are different.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Which term is broader in meaning?
"Obtain" is broader, referring to acquiring anything, while "Score" often relates to achievements.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Can "Obtain" refer to non-tangible things?
Yes, you can "Obtain" information, permissions, or knowledge.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Is "Score" only related to sports?
No, "Score" can refer to points in games, marks in exams, or even musical compositions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Can "Obtain" imply effort?
Yes, "Obtain" can suggest that something was acquired through effort or means.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Is "Score" always celebratory?
Often, but not always. It primarily connotes achievement, but context matters.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Is "Obtain" passive?
No, "Obtain" is an active verb, emphasizing the act of acquisition.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Can I "Obtain" points in a game?
It's more common to "Score" points in a game, though "Obtain" can be understood in context.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
How does "Score" relate to music?
"Score" can refer to a written piece of music or the act of notating music.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
Which verb is more active, "Score" or "Obtain"?
Both are active, but "Score" often implies a direct accomplishment, while "Obtain" emphasizes acquisition.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Can you "Obtain" knowledge?
Yes, you can "Obtain" knowledge through study, experience, or instruction.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Does "Obtain" always suggest success?
Not always, but it implies successful acquisition when used in that context.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Can "Score" mean to criticize or rebuke?
Less commonly, but "Score" can mean to criticize or reprimand someone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
How is "Obtain" used in legal contexts?
In legal terms, one might "Obtain" permissions, rights, or evidence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Can you "Score" in an art context?
Yes, artists might "Score" clay or other materials to create patterns or help with adhesion.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Does "Score" only relate to positive achievements?
Primarily, but in context, it can also denote any result or outcome.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
Can a film have a "Score"?
Yes, a film's "Score" refers to its background music or soundtrack.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Is "Obtain" formal?
It can be, especially when compared to colloquial alternatives like "get" or "grab."
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
In what context might "Score" and "Obtain" overlap in meaning?
In contexts like exams where one can "Score" high marks or "Obtain" a good grade.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 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
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
