Take Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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take

[teɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

To lay hold of; to seize; to grasp; to get into one's hands, or into one's possession; to procure; acquire; obtain; to receive; to accept.

Synonyms

acquire, grab, grasp, obtain, seize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
take	General usage for gaining possession or control of something. It can also mean to convey or transport. Can you take this book to the library? Take a seat, please.
grab	Informal and often used when something is taken quickly and sometimes forcefully. Can have a negative or aggressive connotation. He grabbed a sandwich on his way out. She grabbed his arm to stop him.
seize	Usually used in contexts involving force or urgency. Often has a legal or aggressive connotation. The police seized the counterfeit goods. She seized the opportunity to speak.
grasp	Used to indicate holding something firmly, either physically or abstractly, like understanding a concept. He grasped the rope tightly. She finally grasped the meaning of the theory.
acquire	Formal context, often used in business or academic settings when something is gained over time or through effort. She acquired the necessary skills for the job. The company plans to acquire new assets.
obtain	Formal context, typically used when something is gained through a purposeful effort or process. He obtained a visa to travel to Europe. She managed to obtain a rare artifact.

Examples of usage

I will take the book from the shelf.
She takes great pride in her work.
He took the opportunity to learn something new.
We need to take action to solve this problem.
The medicine should be taken after meals.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

medication

A single dose of a drug or other medicinal substance.

Synonyms

dose, medication, pill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
take	Use 'take' generally when referring to the act of consuming medicine orally, or when following doctor's instructions. This word is versatile and can be used in many contexts. Don't forget to take your medicine with food. I need to take my vitamins every morning.
dose	Refer to 'dose' when talking about the specific amount of medicine that needs to be taken at one time. It's often used in medical or formal contexts. The doctor prescribed a high dose of antibiotics. Make sure you don't exceed the recommended dose.
pill	Use 'pill' when specifically referring to a small tablet or capsule that one swallows as medicine. It's often used in everyday, informal conversations. I can't swallow big pills easily. She has to take three pills after each meal.
medication	Use 'medication' to talk about drugs in a general sense, especially when referring to treatment or a regimen of drugs. It is a broader term compared to 'pill'. He has to take his medication twice a day. This medication is used to treat high blood pressure.

Examples of usage

She needs to take two tablets after breakfast.
The doctor prescribed a take of painkillers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Uses

In various cultures, the concept of 'take' is often tied to expressions of possession and ownership.
The phrase 'take it easy' is commonly used in English-speaking cultures to suggest relaxation.
In many Eastern cultures, 'take' also reflects interpersonal relationships, as in the concept of 'taking' care of others.

Psychology

The act of taking can be associated with learning styles; some people 'take' in information better through hands-on experiences.
Research shows that the act of taking notes can enhance memory retention and comprehension.
The word is often used in psychological theories about resentment, as in how people can 'take' more than their fair share in social situations.

Language and Art

Artists often explore the theme of 'taking' in their work, representing themes of possession, loss, and identity.
In literature, the idea of 'taking a journey' is a common metaphor for personal growth and change.
Song lyrics frequently incorporate the idea of taking chances or risks, reflecting deeper emotional experiences.

Pop Culture

Iconic phrases like 'Take me out to the ball game' reflect the cultural significance of the word in entertainment.
The command 'take a bow' is a popular phrase used in theater and performances when acknowledging applause.
Movies often center around themes of taking action, where characters must decide to 'take' risks for success or survival.

Origin of 'take'

Main points about word origin

The word 'take' has roots in Old English, originally 'tacan,' which meant to grasp or seize.
It evolved from the Proto-Germanic form '*takaną,' highlighting a long history of meaning in different cultures.
In the evolution of language, 'take' is related to many words in other languages, such as the German word 'nehmen,' which also means to take.

The word 'take' originated from Old English 'tacan' and is closely related to Dutch 'takken' and German 'nehmen'. It has evolved over time to represent various meanings related to acquiring, accepting, or seizing something. The versatility of 'take' as a verb and noun has made it an essential part of the English language, used in everyday conversations and written texts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #118, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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115 might
116 while
117 public
118 take
119 little
120 men
121 large
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