I wished to obtain firsthand information.

obtain （gain, get） a footing in society

在社会上占有地位 （取得立足点）

　2. 得到公认;通用;流行;存在

Those conditions no longer obtain.

那些情形已不存在。

The custom still obtains in some areas.

某些地区仍保留着这一习俗。

14. commit 干（错事，坏事），犯罪

I committed an error in handling the business.

我在处理这一业务时犯了一个错误。

commit a murder.犯谋杀罪

commit sb./ sth. to ....

把...交托给;把...提交给;把...付诸;把...押交;把...判处

The child was committed to the nurse's care.

孩子被交给护士照顾。

The judge committed him to ten years' imprisonment.

法官判处他十年徒刑。

commit oneself to sth./ doing sth.承担义务

He didn't commit himself to anything.

他没有做出任何承诺。

15. confirm v. 证实，进一步确定; 批准

He looked around to confirm that he was alone.

他四处张望，要确定周围没人。

I'm just calling to confirm your appointment tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.

我打电话确认明天下午3点你约定的时间。

The treaty was confirmed by the king.国王批准了协议。

confirm a title to sb 批准授予某人一个称号

16. basis n. 基础,根据 （表抽象）

the economic basis 经济基础