garner
UK[ˈɡɑːnə(r)]US[ˈɡɑːrnər]
v
to collect or gather something, especially information or support
v
to earn or acquire something, such as a reputation or result
n
a place or building for storing grain; a granary
Etymology
the word 'garner' traces its lineage to the latin 'granum', meaning grain, via the late latin 'granarium'. it entered english through the old french 'gernier', initially as a noun for a granary. the verb sense, meaning to gather or acquire, developed metaphorically from the physical act of storing grain in a barn, extending to the collection of abstract things like information or acclaim. this evolution from a concrete storage place to an abstract action of accumulation illustrates a classic path of semantic broadening.
Analysis
the word 'garner' is a simplex form derived as a whole from old french 'gernier' or 'grenier', meaning granary, which itself came from latin 'granarium' (a storehouse for grain).
Examples
the candidate managed to garner significant support from young voters.
her performance garnered critical acclaim and several awards.
the old stone building was once used as a garner for the village's harvest.