verb | noun
taketake1 /teɪk/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense took /tʊk/, past participle taken /ˈteɪkən/) 1
MOVE somebody/something WITH YOU [transitive] to move someone or something with you when you go from one place to another: Take an umbrella in case it rains. Her mother’s already taken her home.take somebody/something to something Take this note to the principal’s office, please. He needs someone to take him to the hospital.take somebody something We should take your grandma some of these flowers.take somebody/something into something They took me into another room.take somebody/something with you Don’t forget to take your passport with you. The kids begged Susan to take them along. Someone came and took the dishes away. → see also bring2DO something [transitive] used with some nouns to say that you do the actions relating to the noun: Take a look at this. Hurry up. I need to take a shower too. Let’s take a walk around the block.3TIME [transitive] if something takes a particular amount of time, that is the amount of time necessary to do it or for it to happen: How long is this going to take? What took you so long?take (somebody) ten minutes/three hours etc. The whole process takes two hours.it takes (somebody) ten minutes/three hours etc. to do something It takes me about 20 minutes to get to work.4ACCEPT/CHOOSE to accept or choose to have something, especially something that is offered to you: He should have taken that job. Did she take your advice?take something from somebody Never take candy from strangers. She refuses to take help from anyone.take (the) credit/blame/responsibility (for something) (=say that you deserve the credit, blame, or responsibility for something)5STUDY [transitive] to study a particular subject: What classes are you taking next semester? Steve took piano for years.6TEST [transitive] to do a test or examination: I’m going to see if I can take the test early.7REMOVE [transitive always + adv./prep.] to remove something from a particular place: take something off/out of/from something Take your feet off the seats. Can you take the turkey out of the oven for me?8MONEY/EFFORT ETC. [transitive] to need a particular quality, amount of money, amount of effort, etc. in order for you to achieve something or make something happen SYN require: Raising children takes a lot of hard work.it takes something to do something It will take nearly $650,000 to restore the house.take courage/guts It takes courage to admit you’re wrong. They can still win, but it’ll take some doing.9PHOTOGRAPH to use a camera or similar piece of equipment to make a picture: take of Could you take a picture of us? I think we’d better take an X-ray.10STEAL/BORROW [transitive] to steal something or borrow something without someone’s permission: The burglars took just about everything. Did you take my pen again?► see thesaurus at steal111HOLD [transitive] to reach for something and then hold it or put it somewhere: Let me take your coats. He took her hand and smiled.take somebody by the hand/arm She took me by the hand and led me into the living room.12CONTROL [transitive] to get possession or control of someone or something: Rebel forces have taken the capital.take somebody prisoner/hostage Six soldiers were taken prisoner.13take control/charge/power/office to begin being in control of something or having a position of power: The Communists took power in 1948.take control/charge of something Young people need to learn to take charge of their own lives.14take credit cards/checks/cash etc. to accept credit cards, checks, etc. as a form of payment SYN accept: Do you take checks?15ACCEPT something BAD/ANNOYING [transitive] informal to accept a bad situation or someone’s bad or annoying behavior without becoming upset: I can’t take much more of this stress. He’s not very good at taking criticism. The death of a loved one is always hard to take.take it like a man (=accept a bad situation or physical beating without complaining or showing emotion)16MEDICINE/DRUG [transitive] to take a drug into your body: Take two tablets before bed.take something for something You really need to take something for that cough. They say he used to take drugs (=take illegal drugs).17MACHINE/VEHICLE [transitive] if a machine, vehicle, etc. takes a particular type of gasoline, battery, etc., you have to use that in it: What kind of gas does your car take?18TAXI/BUS/TRAIN/ROAD ETC. [transitive] to use a taxi, bus, train, etc. to go somewhere, or to travel using a particular road: Let’s take a cab.19CONSIDER [transitive] to consider or react to someone or something in a particular way: I can’t take his suggestions very seriously.take something well/badly/hard She didn’t take the news very well.take something lightly/personally etc. Try not to take his criticism personally.take something as something I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.take something as evidence/proof/a sign (of something) I don’t think we can take this as proof of her guilt.20WRITE [transitive] to write down information that you have just been given: Did you take notes during the lecture? He’s not here right now. Can I take a message?21CAUSE somebody TO GO [transitive always + adv./prep.] to lead someone somewhere or cause him or her to go there: My job takes me all over the world.take somebody to/across/through etc. something The highway takes you through some beautiful country.22MEASURE [transitive] to test or measure something: Hold still while I take your temperature.23AS A GUEST [transitive] to bring someone with you to a restaurant, movie, etc. and pay or be responsible for him or her: take somebody to something Who are you taking to the dance?24ROAD [transitive] to use a particular street or road to travel on: Take the freeway – it’ll be quicker.take a right/left When you get to State Street, take a right. I think maybe we took a wrong turn.25EMOTION/ATTITUDE [transitive] used with some nouns that represent emotions or attitudes, to say that someone has or feels that emotion or attitude: Dad takes an interest in everything we do.take pleasure/joy/pride etc. in (doing) something I took great pleasure in telling him he was wrong. Howard took pity on the man and gave him some food. I take offense at (=feel offended by) what he said. She took comfort from the fact that he was just a phone call away.SPOKEN PHRASES26I take it (that) used to say that based on something you have noticed, you think something else is likely to be true: I take it you two have already met.27take somebody/something (for example) said when you want to give an example of something you have just been talking about: Not everyone’s happy about the changes. Take me, for example.28take it or leave it used to say that what you have offered will not change: I’ll give you $50 for the bike – take it or leave it.29take it from me used to persuade someone that what you are saying is true: Take it from me – she’s trouble.30what do you take me for? used to say that you would never do something that someone has suggested you might do: I’m not going to do it alone. What do you take me for – a fool?31it takes all kinds (to make a world) said when you think what someone is doing, likes, etc. is very strange32take it outside to go outside to continue an argument or fight33SUFFER something [transitive] to experience something bad because you cannot avoid it: Employees are being forced to take a 5% pay cut. The company has taken a loss of over $45 million.take a hammering/beating (=be defeated or go through a difficult period)34LEVEL [transitive always + adv./prep.] to make someone or something go to a higher level or position: take something to/into something Does he have the talent to take him to the top? I want to take the matter further and make a formal complaint.35take it upon/on yourself to do something to decide to do something without permission or approval: Judy just took it upon herself to make the arrangements.36somebody can take something or leave it used to say that someone does not care whether he or she has, sees, or does something: Pizza? I can take it or leave it.37FOOD/DRINKS [transitive not in progressive] to use something such as salt, sugar, milk, etc. in your food or drinks: take something in something Do you take lemon in your tea? I take my coffee black.38EAT/DRINK [transitive] to eat or drink something, especially in small amounts: He took a mouthful of water from the bottle.39SIZE [transitive] to wear a particular size of clothes or shoes: What size shoe do you take?40HAVE SPACE/STRENGTH FOR [transitive not in progressive or passive] to have only enough space or strength to contain or support a particular amount of something, or a particular number of things: The shelf won’t take any more books.41USE [transitive usually in imperative] to use something – used when giving instructions: Take one tortilla and top with cheese, tomatoes, and beans.42NUMBERS [transitive] math to subtract one number from another number SYN take away: take something from something Take 4 from 9 and what do you get?43IN GAMES/SPORTS [transitive] to get possession of something from an opponent in a game or sport44NEWSPAPER [transitive] to have a particular newspaper delivered regularly to your house45take a bend/fence/corner etc. [transitive] to try to get over or around something in a particular way: You’re driving too fast to take that curve.46take ill/sick (also be taken ill) old-fashioned to suddenly become very sick47HAVE AN EFFECT [intransitive] if something that is supposed to change something else takes, it is successful and continues to work: The dye didn’t take and I had to redo it.48SEX [transitive] literary if a man takes a woman, he has sex with her[Origin: 1000–1100 Old Norse taka] → see also take care at care1 (6), take a hike at hike1 (4), take something lying down at lie down (2), take part at part1 (4), take place at place1 (4), point taken at point1 (1), taken2, takeoff, have what it takes at what1 (16)take somebody aback phrasal verb to surprise or shock someone: He was a little taken aback by my response.take after somebody phrasal verb to look or behave like an older relative: Everyone says I take after my mother.take apart phrasal verb1take something ↔ apart to separate something into pieces SYN dismantle OPP put together: Tom was always taking things apart in the garage.2take somebody ↔ apart informal to beat someone very easily in a game or sport3take something ↔ apart to search a place very thoroughly and make a big messtake away phrasal verb1take away to remove something or make it stop existing: This should take some of the pain away.2take something ↔ away to remove a possession from someone and not allow him or her to have it anymore: If you can’t play nice, I’ll take the toys away.3take somebody ↔ away to use authority to remove someone from where he or she is and force him or her to go somewhere else: Soldiers came in the night and took him away.4 take something ↔ away math to subtract one number from another numbertake away from something phrasal verb to spoil the good effect or success of something SYN detract: The sad news took away from our enjoyment of the evening.take back phrasal verb1take something ↔ back to admit that you were wrong to say something: I take back everything I said.2take something ↔ back to take something you have bought back to a store because it does not fit, is not what you wanted, etc.: If the shirt doesn’t fit, take it back.3take somebody ↔ back to be willing to start a romantic relationship again with someone after ending it: After all the things I said, I don’t think she’d ever take me back.4take somebody back to make someone remember a time in the past: Boy, that song really takes me back.take something ↔ down phrasal verb1to remove something from its place, usually so that it is lower down or in several pieces: When are you going to take down your Christmas decorations? Help me take down the tent.2to write something on a piece of paper in order to remember it or have a record of it: Let me take down your name and number.take something from something phrasal verb to get something from something such as a book, collection, etc.: The book’s title is taken from an old folk song.take in phrasal verb1UNDERSTAND/REMEMBER take something ↔ in to understand and remember new facts and information: I need a minute to take in what he told me.2DECEIVE take somebody ↔ in to deceive someone completely: You have to be pretty dumb to be taken in by an offer like that.3MONEY take something ↔ in to collect or earn an amount of money: How much did you take in at the sale?4CAR/EQUIPMENT ETC. take something ↔ in to bring something to a place in order to have it repaired: I’m going to take the car in tomorrow for a tune-up.5PROVIDE HOME take somebody/something ↔ in to let a person or an animal stay in your house or a shelter, especially a person or animal that has nowhere else to stay: Brett’s always taking in stray animals.6CLOTHES take something ↔ in to make a piece of clothing narrower so that it fits you OPP let out7POLICE take somebody ↔ in if the police take someone in, they take him or her to a police station to ask questions about a crime8VISIT/SEE take in something to visit a place while you are in the area9MOVIE/PLAY ETC. take in something old-fashioned to go to see something such as a movie, play, etc.10WORK take in something to do work for someone else in your hometake off phrasal verb1REMOVE take something ↔ off, take something off something to remove something, especially a piece of clothing OPP put on: Could you take off your shoes before you come in?2AIRCRAFT/SPACE VEHICLE to rise into the air at the beginning of a flight: What time did the plane finally take off?3LEAVE informal to leave somewhere suddenly, especially without telling anyone► see thesaurus at leave14WORK take something ↔ off, take something off something to not go to work for a period of time: I’m taking Friday off to go to the dentist. I need to take some time off work.5WEIGHT take something ↔ off to become thinner and lighter, especially by losing a particular amount of weight: He’s taken a lot of weight off recently.6SUCCESS to suddenly start being successful: His singing career has really taken off.take on phrasal verb1COMPETE/FIGHT take somebody/something ↔ on to compete or fight against someone or something: Tonight the 49ers take on the Raiders in Oakland.2CHANGE QUALITY take on something to begin to have a different quality or appearance: Her face took on a fierce expression.3DO WORK take something ↔ on to start doing some difficult work or to start being responsible for something important: I’ve taken on far too much work lately.4HIRE take somebody ↔ on to start to employ someone SYN hire: We’ve taken on three new employees this month.5PLANE/BUS ETC. take somebody/something ↔ on if a plane, ship, bus, etc. takes on people or things, they come onto it or are put onto ittake out phrasal verb1REMOVE take something ↔ out to remove something from inside a container or place: She opened her briefcase and took a letter out.2AS GUEST/DATE take somebody ↔ out to take someone to a restaurant, theater, club, etc. and pay for his or her meal or entertainment: I’m taking Melinda out for dinner tonight.3FROM BANK/COMPANY take something ↔ out to arrange to get something officially, especially from a bank, insurance company, or a court of law: The couple took out a $200,000 loan.4ADVERTISEMENT take something ↔ out to arrange for an advertisement to be printed in a newspaper or magazine: She took out ads in all the local papers.5FROM BANK ACCOUNT take something ↔ out to get money from your bank account6FROM LIBRARY take something ↔ out to borrow a book from a library SYN check out7take a lot out of somebody (also take it out of somebody) to make someone feel very tired: My job takes a lot out of me.8KILL/DESTROY take somebody/something ↔ out informal to kill someone, or destroy something: The bombing took out the entire village. → see also takeouttake something out on somebody phrasal verb to treat someone badly because you are feeling angry, tired, etc.: Don’t take it out on me! It’s not my fault.take over phrasal verb1 take something over to begin to do what someone else was doing, especially being in charge of something: She wants me to take over when she retires. His brother took over the running of the business.2 take something ↔ over to take control of something: The company was taken over by Sony in 1989. → see also takeovertake to phrasal verb1take to somebody/something to start to like someone or something: We took to each other right away.2take to the streets/highways etc. to go out into the streets for a particular purpose, usually to protest something: Thousands of people took to the streets in protest.3take to something to start doing something regularly or as a habit: take to doing something Lately he’s taken to staying up till the middle of the night. After his business failed, he took to drink (=started drinking alcohol regularly).4take to something like a duck to water to learn how to do something very easily or to quickly change your behavior and attitudes to match a new situation5take to your bed old-fashioned to go to your bed and stay there, especially because you are sicktake up phrasal verb1SPACE/TIME take up something if something takes up a particular amount of time or space, it fills or uses it: I don’t want to take up too much of your time. Our new car takes up the whole garage.be taken up with something Most of my time is taken up with work.2ACTIVITY/SUBJECT take something ↔ up to become interested in a particular activity or subject and begin doing it: She recently took up golf.► see thesaurus at begin3take up residence formal to start living somewhere4take up arms literary to fight a battle using weapons5FLOOR/CARPET ETC. take something ↔ up to remove something that is attached to the floor6IDEA/SUGGESTION/SUBJECT take something ↔ up to begin discussing or considering something: Now the papers have taken up the story.7OFFER take something ↔ up to accept an offer or challenge that someone has made: I took up the invitation to visit.8JOB/RESPONSIBILITY take up something to start a new job or have a new responsibility9POSITION take up something to put yourself in a particular position ready for something to happen, or so that you can see better: The runners are taking up their positions on the starting line.10CLOTHES take something ↔ up to reduce the length of a skirt or pair of pants11CONTINUE AN ACTIVITY take something ↔ up to continue a story or activity that someone else started, or that you started but had to stoptake somebody up on something phrasal verb to accept an invitation that someone has made: Thanks for the offer. I might take you up on it.take up with phrasal verb1take something ↔ up with somebody to discuss something with someone, especially a complaint or problem: If you’re unhappy, you should take it up with your supervisor.2take up with somebody old-fashioned to begin a friendship or a romantic relationship, especially with someone you should not have a relationship with
verb | noun
taketake2 noun [countable] 1an attempt to record a movie scene, song, action, etc. without stopping: They were able to film the scene in one take.2informal an opinion about a person, situation, or idea: take on Let’s hear your take on what just happened.3[usually singular] informal the amount of money earned by a store or business in a particular period of time4be on the take informal if someone in an official position is on the take, he or she is receiving money for doing things that are wrong or illegal5[usually singular] the number of fish or animals caught at one particular time