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Taken: meaning, definitions and examples

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taken

 

[ˈteɪkən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

be taken

be in possession of (something)

Synonyms

acquire, obtain, receive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
taken

Used in past tense to describe something that has been physically removed, accepted, or captured.

  • The book was taken from the library.
  • The criminal has been taken into custody.
acquire

Commonly used in formal or business contexts to indicate obtaining something through effort, purchase, or training.

  • She acquired a new skill after months of practice.
  • The company plans to acquire new assets.
obtain

Often used to describe the act of getting something, especially when it requires some effort or formal process.

  • You need to obtain permission before filming here.
  • He managed to obtain the information through research.
receive

Used when something is given to someone, especially in more formal circumstances or for communication.

  • I received a letter from my friend.
  • She received an award for her outstanding performance.

Examples of usage

  • I have taken your book.
  • She has taken my pen.
  • We have taken the first step towards success.
Context #2 | Verb

take something from

remove (someone or something) from a particular place

Synonyms

dispossess, extract, withdraw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
taken

General use for when something is acquired or received. Can also imply someone has acquired something without permission.

  • He has taken my book and hasn’t returned it.
  • She was taken to the hospital immediately.
extract

Used when something is removed or obtained from another substance or context, often with some effort.

  • The dentist had to extract the tooth.
  • They managed to extract useful information from the report.
withdraw

Appropriate when something is taken back or removed from a particular place or action, often implying a deliberate decision.

  • She decided to withdraw her application from the job.
  • He withdrew $100 from his bank account.
dispossess

Mostly used in legal or formal contexts to describe someone being deprived of property or rights, often unjustly. It carries a negative connotation.

  • The family was dispossessed of their land during the war.
  • He felt dispossessed of his heritage.

Examples of usage

  • He took the money from the drawer.
  • She took the keys from my hand.
  • They took the child away from the dangerous situation.
Context #3 | Verb

take something to

carry or bring with one; convey

Synonyms

bring, carry, transport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
taken

Used when something has been moved or removed from one place to another, often implying possession was lost.

  • My wallet was taken from my pocket
  • The book has been taken by someone
bring

Used when someone moves something or someone towards the speaker or the place they are referring to.

  • Please bring the documents to my office
  • Can you bring some snacks to the party?
carry

Used when someone holds something and moves it from one place to another, often implying a physical burden or task.

  • I need to carry these heavy boxes upstairs
  • She carries her baby everywhere
transport

Used in more formal or technical contexts to describe moving people or goods from one place to another, typically involving vehicles or other means of transportation.

  • Goods are transported by truck
  • The company transports products internationally

Examples of usage

  • He took his umbrella to work.
  • She took the cookies to the party.
  • We took the gifts to the children's hospital.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'taken' comes from the Old English 'tacan', which means 'to seize or capture'.
  • It is the past participle of 'take,' which has Germanic roots, showcasing how language evolves over time.
  • The evolution of the term shows a shift from physical 'taking' to broader uses, like emotional and metaphorical contexts.

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, 'taken' often refers to abduction, exemplified by the famous action film series starring Liam Neeson.
  • The phrase 'I’m taken' has become a common way to indicate someone is in a relationship, appearing frequently in social media and conversations.
  • The intensity of the word's use in films and songs often conveys themes of loss or longing.

Psychology

  • Being 'taken' can relate to feelings of attachment and belonging, influencing social behavior and identity.
  • Research shows that the experience of being taken in a relationship can evoke strong emotional responses, such as happiness or jealousy.
  • The phrase can also signify deeper issues of control or influence in personal relationships.

Literature

  • The theme of 'being taken' appears in classic literature, such as in love stories where characters feel swept away by passion.
  • In poetry, the concept often symbolizes surrendering to overwhelming emotions or circumstances.
  • Modern novels frequently explore the implications of being taken by both romantic and societal norms.

Translations

Translations of the word "taken" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tomado

🇮🇳 लिया हुआ

🇩🇪 genommen

🇮🇩 diambil

🇺🇦 взятий

🇵🇱 wzięty

🇯🇵 取られた

🇫🇷 pris

🇪🇸 tomado

🇹🇷 alınmış

🇰🇷 잡힌

🇸🇦 مأخوذ

🇨🇿 vzatý

🇸🇰 vzatý

🇨🇳 拿走

🇸🇮 vzet

🇮🇸 tekið

🇰🇿 алынған

🇬🇪 აღებული

🇦🇿 götürülmüş

🇲🇽 tomado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #160, 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.