gain gain /ˈgeɪn/

noun

1. () A quantity that is added  ( addition , gain , increase )
   a quantity that is added
    There was an addition to property taxes this year
   there was an addition to property taxes this year
    They recorded the cattle's gain in weight over a period of weeks
   they recorded the cattle's gain in weight over a period of weeks
   
2. () The amount of increase in signal power, voltage or current expressed as the ratio of output to input  ( amplification , gain )
   the amount of increase in signal power, voltage or current expressed as the ratio of output to input
   
3. () The advantageous quality of being beneficial  ( profit , gain )
   the advantageous quality of being beneficial
   
4. () The amount by which the revenue of a business exceeds its cost of operating  ( gain )
   the amount by which the revenue of a business exceeds its cost of operating
   

verb

1. () Obtain  ( derive , gain )
   obtain
    Derive pleasure from one's garden
   derive pleasure from one's garden
   
2. () Win something through one's efforts  ( acquire , gain , win )
   win something through one's efforts
    I acquired a passing knowledge of Chinese
   I acquired a passing knowledge of Chinese
    Gain an understanding of international finance
   Gain an understanding of international finance
    Win someone's confidence and friendship
   win someone's confidence and friendship
   
3. () Derive a benefit from  ( profit , gain , benefit )
   derive a benefit from
    She profited from his vast experience
   She profited from his vast experience
   
4. () Reach a destination, either real or abstract  ( attain , make , gain , arrive at , hit , reach )
   reach a destination, either real or abstract
    We hit Detroit by noon
   We hit Detroit by noon
    The water reached the doorstep
   The water reached the doorstep
    We barely made it to the finish line
   We barely made it to the finish line
    I have to hit the MAC machine before the weekend starts
   I have to hit the MAC machine before the weekend starts
   
5. () Increase or develop  ( gather , gain )
   increase or develop
    The peace movement gained momentum
   the peace movement gained momentum
    The car gathers speed
   the car gathers speed
   
6. () Rise in rate or price  ( advance , gain )
   rise in rate or price
    The stock market gained 24 points today
   The stock market gained 24 points today
   
7. () Obtain advantages, such as points, etc.  ( gain ground , make headway , pull ahead , advance , gain , get ahead , win )
   obtain advantages, such as points, etc.
    The home team was gaining ground
   The home team was gaining ground
    After defeating the Knicks, the Blazers pulled ahead of the Lakers in the battle for the number-one playoff berth in the Western Conference
   After defeating the Knicks, the Blazers pulled ahead of the Lakers in the battle for the number-one playoff berth in the Western Conference
    Win points
   win points
   
8. () Earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages  ( clear , pull in , realise , bring in , earn , gain , make , realize , take in )
   earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
    How much do you make a month in your new job?
   How much do you make a month in your new job?
    She earns a lot in her new job
   She earns a lot in her new job
    This merger brought in lots of money
   this merger brought in lots of money
    He clears $5,000 each month
   He clears $5,000 each month
   
9. Increase (one's body weight)  ( gain , put on )
   increase (one's body weight)
    She gained 20 pounds when she stopped exercising
   She gained 20 pounds when she stopped exercising