gain
gain / gān/ • v. [tr.] 1. obtain or secure (something desired, favorable, or profitable): a process that has gained the confidence of the industry| their blend of acoustic folk pop gained them several chart hits. ∎ reach or arrive at (a desired destination): we gained the ridge. ∎ [intr.] (gain on) come closer to (a person or thing pursued): a huge bear gaining on him with every stride. ∎ archaic bring over to one's interest or views; win over: to gratify the queen and gain the court.2. increase the amount or rate of (something, typically weight or speed): she had gradually gained weight since her wedding. ∎ [intr.] increase in value: stocks also gained for the third day in a row. ∎ [intr.] (gain in) improve or advance in some respect: canoeing is gaining in popularity. ∎ (of a clock or watch) become fast by (a specific amount of time): this atomic clock will neither gain nor lose a second in the next 1 million years.• n. an increase in wealth or resources: the mayor was accused of using municipal funds for personal gain. ∎ a thing that is achieved or acquired: a balance between water loss and water gain. ∎ the factor by which power or voltage is increased in an amplifier or other electronic device, usually expressed as a logarithm.DERIVATIVES: gain·a·ble adj.gain·er n.