gain

From Middle English 'gainen', from Old French 'gaigner', from Latin 'capere', meaning 'to seize'.

NOUN (1)
[/ɡeɪn/en-US]
ganancia literal / beneficio literal / ventaja / concepto de ganancia untranslatable (No direct equivalent concept in SPANISH)
Synonyms profit business , benefit , advantage
Antonyms loss

A noun referring to an increase in something, such as wealth, profit, or advantage. It can also refer to the acquisition of something desirable, or the positive result or benefit obtained from an effort or situation. While often associated with tangible profits (like 'financial gain'), it can also describe abstract improvements, such as a 'gain in understanding' or a 'gain in confidence'. This broad conceptual meaning of a general positive increase or acquisition is often conveyed in English through this single noun, whereas in Spanish, various terms might be used depending on the specific type of increase or benefit.

Irregular note only if irregular
plural
gains
  • The company reported a significant gain in profits this quarter due to increased sales. — The company experienced a large increase in money.
  • Exercising regularly can lead to a gain in overall health and well-being. — Regular exercise can improve your health.
VERB (1)
[/ɡeɪn/en-US]
Synonyms acquire , obtain , achieve
Antonyms lose

To obtain or acquire something desired or advantageous, often as a result of effort or investment. It implies getting something that one did not have before, or increasing the amount or degree of something. This can include anything from material possessions to abstract qualities.

Irregular note only if irregular
past present present_participle
gained gains gaining
  • She hopes to gain valuable experience from her internship abroad. — She wants to acquire important knowledge and skills from her internship.
  • The athlete worked hard to gain an advantage over her competitors. — The athlete tried to achieve a better position than others.