v.
- obtain or secure (something favourable).
▸benefit:
managers would gain from greater openness.
- reach or arrive at (a destination).
▸
(gain on)
come closer to (a person or thing pursued).
- increase the amount or rate of (weight, speed, etc.).
▸increase in value.
▸(of a clock or watch) become fast by (a specific amount of time).
-
(gain in)
increase in (a quality):
canoeing is gaining in popularity.
n.
- a thing that is gained.
- an increase in wealth or resources.
- the factor by which power or voltage is increased in an amplifier or other electronic device, usually expressed as a logarithm.
Derivative
Etymology
C15 (orig. in the sense ‘booty’): from OFr. gaigne (n.), gaignier (v.), of Gmc origin.