gain — ODE · Shobdo

gain /ɡeɪn

▸ verb [with object]

1 obtain or secure (something wanted or desirable):

we gained entry to the car in five seconds

nothing would be gained by talking about it

the process has gained the confidence of the industry

[with two objects] their blend of acoustic folk pop gained them several chart hits.

▪ [no object] benefit:

managers would gain from greater openness.

▪ archaic win over to one's interest or views:

to gratify the queen, and gain the court.

2 reach or arrive at (a destination):

we gained the ridge.

3 increase the amount or rate of (something, typically weight or speed):

I have gained weight over the years.

▪ [no object] increase in value:

shares gained for the third day in a row.

▪ (of a clock or watch) become fast by (a specific amount of time):

this atomic clock will neither gain nor lose a second in the next 1 million years.

▸ noun [mass noun]

1 an increase in wealth or resources:

the pursuit of personal gain

[count noun] shares showed gains of up to 21 per cent.

▪ a thing that is achieved or acquired:

the potential gain from rail privatization would be a more commercial railway.

2 the factor by which power or voltage is increased in an amplifier or other electronic device, usually expressed as a logarithm:

an amplifier of high gain.

– PHRASES

gain time obtain extra time to achieve something by deliberate delaying tactics:

the government was using the negotiations to gain time.

– PHRASAL VERBS

gain in (gain in something) improve or advance in the specified way:

canoeing is gaining in popularity.

gain on (gain on someone or something) come closer to a person or thing pursued:

a huge bear was gaining on him with every stride.

– DERIVATIVES

gainable adjective

gainer /ˈɡeɪnə

/ noun

– ORIGIN late 15th century (as a noun, originally in the sense ‘booty’): from Old French gaigne (noun), gaignier (verb), of Germanic origin.