gain

[[t]geɪn[/t]]

v. t.

1) to get (something desired), esp. as a result of one's efforts; obtain; secure:

to gain possession of land; to gain permission to enter[/ex]

2) to acquire as an increase or addition:

to gain weight; to gain speed[/ex]

3) to obtain as a profit or advantage:

He didn't stand to gain much by the deal[/ex]

4) to win; get in competition:

to gain a prize[/ex]

5) to win (someone) to one's own side or point of view:

to gain supporters[/ex]

6) cvb (of a watch or clock) to run fast by (a specified amount):

My watch gains six minutes a day[/ex]

7) to reach, esp. by effort; get to; arrive at:

to gain one's destination[/ex]

8) to improve; make progress; advance:

to gain in health[/ex]

9) to get nearer, as in pursuit (usu. fol. by on or upon):

Our horse was gaining on the favorite[/ex]

10) to draw away from or farther ahead of one's competitors, pursuers, etc. (usu. fol. by on or upon)

11) cvb (of a watch or clock) to run fast

12) profit or advantage:

I see no gain in this plan[/ex]

13) an increase or advance:

a gain in weight; a gain in power[/ex]

14) gains, profits or winnings

15) the act of gaining; acquisition

16) elo elm

a) a measure of the increase in signal amplitude produced by an amplifier, expressed as the ratio of output to input

b) the effectiveness of a directional antenna as compared with a standard, nondirectional one

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Etymology: 1425–75; < MF, contr. of OF gaaing, der. of gaaignier to till, earn, win < Gmc; cf. OHG weidanōn to hunt, forage for food gain′a•ble, adj. syn: gain, attain, earn, win imply obtaining a reward or something advantageous. gain suggests the expenditure of effort to get or reach something desired: After battling the blizzard, we finally gained our destination. attain suggests a sense of personal satisfaction in having reached a lofty goal: to attain stardom. earn emphasizes a deserved reward for labor or services: to earn a promotion. win stresses attainment in spite of competition or opposition: to win support in a campaign.