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gain
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/ɡeɪn/ 
| present tense | |
| I/you/we/they | gain |
| he/she/it | gains |
| present participle | gaining |
| past tense | gained |
| past participle | gained |
- 1[transitive] to get or achieve something, usually as a result of a lot of effort
Extremist political parties gained 11% of the vote.
Bolivia gained independence from Spain in 1825.
She gained a first in her French degree.
gain access/admittance/entry to something:He gained entry to the building by showing a fake pass.
- a.[intransitive/transitive] to get more of something, usually as a result of a gradual process
Her theories have only recently gained acceptance.
gain something from/by (doing) something:She hopes to gain experience by working abroad for a year.
gain in:The property has gained steadily in value since they bought it.
gain weight:I’ve gained a lot of weight this winter.
gain speed/momentum:The toboggan sped down the hill, gaining momentum.
Collocations: gain
▪ acceptance, confidence, experience, ideas, information, insight, popularity, recognition, understanding - 2[intransitive/transitive] to get a benefit or advantage for yourselfgain something from (doing) something:
There is a lot to be gained from schools working together.
there is nothing to be gained from/by doing something:We should act immediately. There is nothing to be gained from waiting.
gain from:Whether you succeed or fail, you are sure to gain from the experience.
stand to gain (=be likely to get money or other benefits):When the business is sold, all the brothers stand to gain.
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This is the British English definition of gain. View American English definition of gain.
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