take
verb (transitive)
UK/teɪk/US/teɪk/
To acquire possession of something; to remove or transport from one place to another; to accept or adopt; to require or need something; to react or respond in a certain way.
Example Sentences
Please take this letter to the post office when you go out.
He always tries to take a few minutes each morning to meditate and collect his thoughts.
She offered to take the dog for a walk, allowing her roommate some extra time to relax after work.
It will take about two hours to drive to the airport, so we should leave before rush hour begins.
You need to take your medicine exactly as prescribed to ensure the best results.
They decided to take responsibility for organizing the company event and carefully arranged every detail to impress their guests with a seamless program.
The teacher reminded students to take their time reading each question thoroughly, as misunderstanding even a single prompt could reduce their overall test score.
On weekends, he likes to take his family to a nearby park for a leisurely picnic, turning off all devices and reconnecting with nature in a refreshing, tech-free environment.
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noun (countable)
UK/teɪk/US/teɪk/
A version, interpretation, or perspective on something; in film or media, a single continuous recording of a scene; also, the amount of money earned or collected, as in revenue or profits.
Example Sentences
His take on the debate offered fresh insights the panel had not considered.
They needed another take of the final scene because the actor tripped on a prop at the last second.
The band’s latest tour produced a surprisingly high take, signaling their growing popularity.
When a journalist writes an article, readers often look for that unique take on current events.
Despite filming the same line multiple times, the director still wasn’t satisfied with the take and asked for one more shot.
After the first day of sales, the store’s total take exceeded all expectations, giving hope for a successful product launch.
Viewers appreciated the film critic’s honest take, noting that her balanced perspective considered both cinematic artistry and audience enjoyment in equal measure.
While some might call the photograph unsettling, the artist explained his take as an exploration of modern isolation, prompting in-depth discussions among critics and enthusiasts alike.
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How to Use
Means to acquire, remove, or perform an action.This term is employed in a wide variety of contexts to signify the act of gaining possession, moving something from one place to another, or performing specific actions. In its simplest form, it conveys picking up or removing an object—like “take a book from the shelf” or “take your shoes off at the door.” You might also use it to refer to accepting something intangible, for instance, “take responsibility,” “take advice,” or “take the blame.”Additionally, it appears in idiomatic expressions that add nuance to everyday language. Phrases such as “take a break,” “take a chance,” or “take care” highlight various ways the word can shift meaning depending on context. In formal writing, it often appears in instructions: “Take the next exit” or “Take note of any discrepancies,” signaling the recipient to perform a specific action. Meanwhile, academic writing sometimes uses it analytically, as in “Take, for instance, the case of…” to introduce examples.When using it in speech, consider the tone you want to convey. A direct imperative (“Take this pen.”) can sound brusque if delivered sharply, but polite variations (“Could you take this, please?”) adjust the register. Pay attention to phrasal verbs too, such as “take up,” “take on,” or “take over,” each carrying a distinct meaning that can shift your sentence’s implication. Overall, the key to using this versatile verb effectively is to be aware of the context and the specific nuance you want to express. By pairing it with clear nouns or direct objects, you’ll ensure listeners or readers understand precisely what you intend to convey.
Alternatives
Often, speakers rely on synonyms like “get,” “grab,” or “obtain” to describe the action of acquiring objects or opportunities. “Get” is one of the most common substitutions—slightly more casual and widely applicable. For instance, “get a drink” closely parallels “take a drink,” though it sometimes carries a lighter or more colloquial feel. “Grab” implies a quicker or more forceful motion, working well in casual contexts—“grab a snack,” “grab the keys”—when speed or spontaneity is part of the scenario.“Obtain” leans more formal and appears frequently in academic or official writing—“obtain permission” or “obtain results.” “Receive” highlights the passive aspect of gaining something handed or sent to you, as in “receive an award,” positioning the subject as less active in the exchange. If you’re focusing on picking up items physically, “pick up” might suit the context: “pick up that package” is a direct parallel to “take that package.”Other expressions, like “accept,” underscore willingness or consent, often used when describing intangible or conceptual things: “accept responsibility,” “accept the invitation.” Meanwhile, “secure” or “procure” feels more formal or specialized—useful if the context involves concerted effort, as in “procure funding” or “secure resources.” Considering the level of formality and the exact shade of meaning you want to convey will help you select the right alternative. For time-based contexts—“take two hours,” “take a minute”—you might use “require” or “need,” though these subtly alter the frame of reference, focusing more on necessity than the act of taking. Blending these synonyms into your vocabulary prevents overuse of the original verb and gives your speech or writing a richer variety of expression.
Writing
When you use this verb in your writing, the challenge is often to maintain clarity and avoid repetition. Because it serves multiple functions—removing, acquiring, accepting, and more—it can appear frequently without the reader even noticing. However, in longer texts or formal compositions, you may want to vary your word choice to keep the prose dynamic. Opting for synonyms like “obtain” or “pick up” can help clarify your intent if you sense that a particular sentence might read too bluntly.Likewise, consider how specific phrasal verbs can sharpen meaning. “Take over,” for example, signals assuming control or responsibility, whereas “take out” focuses on removing something, be it an object from a container or an obstacle in a strategic sense. Choosing the correct variant conveys precise action, reducing the likelihood of ambiguity. If you want to portray subtlety or emotional depth—say, showing a character slowly accepting a difficult truth—“take in” might better capture that nuanced process.Also, pay attention to any idiomatic uses that might suit your narrative or descriptive purpose. Expressions such as “take a deep breath” or “take stock” of a situation can enrich text, offering succinct snapshots of a character’s mindset or the narrative’s turning point. Just ensure your phrasing doesn’t become so figurative that the meaning gets lost. A well-balanced mix of literal and figurative uses will keep your writing smooth yet engaging. Above all, remain consistent with your chosen style, whether direct and concise or more elaborate and evocative.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you might use this short verb constantly—“take it easy,” “take a seat,” “take your time.” Each phrase can convey a different nuance, from politely offering someone a chair to encouraging them to stay calm or go slow. Its versatility can also indicate your personal preferences, like “I’ll take a coffee” or “I’ll take the burger,” when ordering at a café or restaurant. Because of this flexibility, it’s one of the first words language learners become comfortable using, quickly becoming part of basic dialogues.Phrasal verbs are particularly abundant in casual talk: “take off” (for removing clothing or leaving quickly), “take on” (for tackling a challenge), or “take back” (for retracting a statement). These expressions can pack a lot of meaning into a small phrase, so dropping them into a conversation lends natural flow and clarity to what you’re saying. Of course, how you present it matters—saying “Take the hint!” might come across as a direct reprimand, whereas “Take it easy!” usually sounds friendly or supportive.Finally, keep in mind that while it’s common and straightforward, overusing it might make your speech sound monotonous. If you notice you’re relying on it for every action, sprinkling in a few synonyms helps you sound more fluent and engaging. In general, it’s a great go-to for immediate needs—“Could you take this to the kitchen for me?”—because it’s understood in nearly every context and rarely requires elaborate explanation.
Etymology
This verb traces back to Old English “tacan,” itself borrowed from Old Norse “taka,” which carried the notion of grasping or receiving. The adoption from Norse influences is a testament to the interactions between Norse settlers and Anglo-Saxon populations in medieval Britain, where languages and cultures intermingled. Over time, “tacan” evolved into the Middle English “taken,” undergoing subtle shifts in spelling and pronunciation.From its early days, the core meaning has remained consistent: the act of gaining, pulling toward oneself, or removing something from its original place. As English diversified through trade, cultural exchange, and scholarly development, the verb’s nuances multiplied. Over centuries, it encompassed tangible actions—like removing or acquiring objects—and intangible concepts—like taking advice, taking a stance, or taking on responsibilities. The language’s flexibility allowed speakers to create various phrases and idioms, further cementing the verb’s place in everyday usage.Today, this small yet powerful term exists in countless contexts, from legal documents (“take notice”) to social interactions (“take a picture” or “take a hint”). The Old Norse root still resonates in its directness, reminding us that fundamental actions like grasping or claiming have always been integral to human communication. As English continues to evolve, the verb’s capacity for new phrasal forms and idiomatic expressions remains a staple of its adaptability and broad utility.
