procure - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
procure Word Meanings
- to obtain something, especially with effort
- to acquire or secure something
- to bring about or cause to happen
procure Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
procure Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/prəˈkjʊə/
US
/prəˈkjʊr/
procure Word Etymology
procure = pro- (forward) + cure (to care for) | From Latin 'procurare' (to take care of) → Old French 'procurer' → English 'procure'. Imagine someone reaching forward with care to secure what they need, much like a farmer personally tending to crops to ensure a good harvest.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Procure means to obtain something, often through effort, planning, or careful action rather than by sheer luck. In everyday English, you might procure supplies, licenses, or equipment after negotiations, research, and scheduling. The term carries a formal or businesslike tone and is common in legal, administrative, or managerial contexts, where the emphasis is on the process of securing what you need rather than merely finding it. Its etymology links to forward care and taking responsibility, which can help learners remember the sense of actively pursuing a goal. Procure is transitive, always requiring an object, such as goods, services, or approvals.
Usage Reminders
- Procure is fairly formal; use in business or legal contexts.
- It is transitive and takes a direct object.
- Often implies effort, negotiation, and planning.
- Common collocations: procure a license, procure funding, procure equipment.
- Tense forms: procure (present), procured (past), procuring (present participle).
Common Misconceptions
- Procure is not the same as produce or manufacture; it means to obtain, often through effort.
- Do not use procure in casual speech; it sounds formal and might feel odd in conversations.
- Procure requires an object; you procure something, not procure by itself.
- Procure is not a synonym for ‘find’; it emphasizes the process of securing.
- Avoid confusing procure with procurement (noun); procurement is the act or process.
Thinking Differences
English learners should note that procure is formal and often used in business or legal writing; many non-native speakers default to easier verbs like get or obtain, which can weaken tone. Remember it is transitive and pairs with a specific object.
Learning Tips
- Memorize the formal register and avoid using procure in casual speech.
- Pair procure with concrete nouns like license, funding, equipment.
- Practice past tense: procured; present participle: procuring.
- Compare with obtain and secure to sense nuance.
- Read business or legal notices to see authentic uses.
- Create a mini glossary with related terms like procurement and procurer.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'procure'?
A.To prevent
B.To destroy
C.To obtain
D.To ignore
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'procure' correctly?
A.She tried to avoid conflict
B.The storm destroyed the entire village
C.He procured a rare artifact for the museum
D.I decided to overlook his mistake
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'procure'?
A.Release
B.Reject
C.Acquire
D.Confuse
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'procure'?
A.Obtain
B.Secure
C.Gain
D.Lose
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would someone need to 'procure' something?
A.Buying groceries at the store
B.Falling asleep in class
C.Playing video games with friends
D.Cleaning the house
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