n. The act of acquiring; especially, the gaining of knowledge or mental attributes.n. That which is acquired; attainment: commonly in the plural.n. Synonyms Gathering, gaining.n. Acquirements, Acquisitions, Attainments, Accomplishments, Endowments, Enduements; gain, resources. Acquisitions is the most general term, but it is gradually being restricted to material gains. Attainments denotes exclusively intellectual or moral acquisitions: as, a man of great attainments; his spiritual attainments were high. Acquirements has nearly the same meaning as attainments, though it is sometimes loosely used as equivalent to acquisitions; it has more direct reference to particular things acquired: as, skill in boxing was among his acquirements. Accomplishments are attainments or acquirements, particularly such as fit the possessor for society: as, French, dancing, and music were the sum of her accomplishments. Endowments are the gifts of nature, as genius or aptitude. Enduements are endowments, acquirements, or attainments in the field of moral and spiritual life, but they are opposed to attainments in being regarded as gifts from heaven rather than as the result of personal endeavor. See endue.