This word is usually replaced by GET. Obtain, from a Latin word meaning "take hold of," means "to acquire," "to come into possession of," "to procure" (obtain some information). Words related to obtain and get are acquire, secure, earn, win, achieve, gain, and attain. Careful users of the language employ get to mean "to come into possession of in any manner; obtain is used to suggest the expenditure of effort: one gets a Christmas present; one obtains a salary increase.
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.