Take for granted: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone fails to appreciate something or someone, often because it is always available or given. This phrase has a negative connotation.

• He took his family for granted and realized too late how much they had supported him
• Don't take your health for granted; it may not always be this good

Used when someone takes something for true without proof, often for the sake of argument or decision-making.

• I assumed he was coming to the party because he didn't say he wasn't
• The manager assumed the project would be completed on time, even though there were some delays

Used when someone thinks that something will happen usually based on some prior knowledge or reasoning.

• I expect it will rain tomorrow based on the weather forecast
• She expects her students to show up on time

Used similarly to 'assume,' but often implies a stronger leap of logic, sometimes without sufficient evidence and can carry a slight negative connotation.

• He presumed she wouldn't mind if he borrowed her car
• The judge presumed the evidence was sufficient to move forward with the trial

Used when someone is looking forward to something or preparing for something that is going to happen.

• She anticipated the arrival of her friend with excitement
• The company anticipated a rise in sales during the holiday season

Use this phrase when someone doesn't appreciate something or someone because they are always there. It often implies a lack of appreciation or recognition.

• She took her family's support for granted until they moved away.
• Don’t take your health for granted, it can change at any moment.

This term is used when someone judges something or someone to be less capable or smaller than they actually are. It often suggests a misjudgment or a lack of recognition of true value.

• Don’t underestimate her abilities; she's stronger than she looks.
• They underestimated the time needed to finish the project.

This word is used when someone assigns less worth or value to something or someone than they deserve. It implies a lack of appreciation and often carries a negative meaning.

• The company undervalued her contributions, which led to her resignation.
• He felt undervalued at work despite his hard efforts.

This word is used when someone consciously chooses not to pay attention to something or someone. It often carries a negative connotation.

• He ignored the warnings and went ahead with the risky investment.
• She felt hurt because her friends ignored her calls.

Use this word when someone fails to care for or give proper attention to something or someone. It usually implies a significant oversight or failure and has a negative connotation.

• The garden was neglected and overgrown with weeds.
• He neglected his duties as a parent, leading to serious consequences.