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Difficulty: MediumSecondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings

Read the following passage from an anthropological study:

"In her comparative analysis of early agrarian communities, Dr. Vance notes that although formal legal codes were absent, unwritten custom continued to obtain across neighboring settlements, successfully regulating trade and resolving disputes despite the lack of centralized political authority."

In the context of the passage, the word "obtain" most nearly means which of the following?

  1. A
    acquire
  2. prevailAnswer
  3. C
    purchase
  4. D
    transform
  5. E
    deteriorate

Answer

The word "obtain" in this context most nearly means "prevail" (to exist, hold true, or remain in force).
The correct answer is the option meaning 'prevail'. In formal academic prose, the verb 'obtain' frequently carries the secondary, intransitive definition of 'to be prevalent, established, or in effect'. The passage explains that unwritten customs were active and effective in maintaining order across communities, making 'prevail' the exact contextual fit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The subject 'unwritten custom' is described as continuing to 'obtain across neighboring settlements' and 'regulating trade and resolving disputes'.
Understanding the function of the target word within the clause reveals its intended meaning.
2
Evaluate the secondary meanings of the target word
While 'obtain' commonly means 'to acquire' as a transitive verb, as an intransitive verb in formal contexts it means 'to be prevalent, customary, or in effect'.
Vocabulary-in-context questions on the GRE often test less common, secondary definitions of familiar words.
3
Substitute choices back into the passage to test contextual coherence
Substituting 'prevail' maintains the precise meaning that unwritten custom continued to exist and hold sway across settlements.
Substitution confirms which option preserves sentence logic and grammatical integrity.

Key Concept

Secondary Intransitive Meaning of Polysemous Words
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Topics

Secondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings

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