Take for granted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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take for granted

[teɪk fɔːr ˈɡræntɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in relationships

To assume that something will always be available or will always be done for you without expressing gratitude or appreciation.

Synonyms

anticipate, assume, expect, presume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
take for granted	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
assume	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
expect	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
presume	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
anticipate	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

Examples of usage

He took her love for granted and now she's leaving him.
Don't take your friends for granted, remember to show them how much you appreciate them.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in everyday life

To not fully appreciate something or someone until it is gone.

Synonyms

ignore, neglect, underestimate, undervalue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
take for granted	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.
underestimate	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.
undervalue	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.
ignore	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.
neglect	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.

Examples of usage

He took his health for granted until he got sick.
We often take the beauty of nature for granted until it's threatened.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that people often undervalue what they have, leading to feelings of discontent despite having abundant resources.
Focusing on gratitude can enhance one’s well-being, helping to counteract the tendency to take things for granted.

Literature

Many authors highlight the theme of taking for granted in their works, especially in stories about relationships and the importance of appreciation.
Notable writers, like Hemingway and Austen, depict characters who realize too late the value of what they had.

Culture

In various cultures, there are sayings that warn against taking things for granted, emphasizing the importance of gratitude.
Celebrations like Thanksgiving in American culture encourage appreciation for what people often overlook in daily life.

Social Dynamics

In relationships, taking loved ones for granted can lead to conflicts and an emotional disconnect between partners.
Sociologists note that societies that emphasize community and connection often have lower occurrences of taking for granted behaviors.

Origin of 'take for granted'

Main points about word origin

The phrase 'take for granted' originates from the verb 'take,' meaning to seize or accept, combined with 'granted,' which means given or allowed.
It first came into English usage in the 18th century, reflecting a growing awareness of gratitude and appreciation in language.

The phrase 'take for granted' originated in the 16th century and was originally associated with legal terminology, meaning to accept something as true without requiring proof. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in everyday language to describe the act of underestimating or not appreciating something or someone. The expression serves as a reminder to acknowledge and be grateful for the things we may otherwise overlook.