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take · verb T /teɪk/Full view
Nouns: take, taker, undertaking
Verbs: take, overtake, undertake
take (CARRY)
A1 to get and carry something with you when you go somewhere
Dictionary examples:

I take my cellphone with me everywhere I go.

I'd take your umbrella if I were you.

Learner example:

The park is very close [to] my house. [...] If I have time, I can take [a] book or [a] newspaper [there]. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

take (GO WITH SOMEONE)
A1 to go somewhere with someone, often paying for them or being responsible for them
Dictionary examples:

I took the kids to the park.

I thought I'd take her to that nice Italian restaurant.

Learner example:

She takes her son to school. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Turkish)

take a picture/photo(graph)
A1 to photograph someone or something
Dictionary examples:

Did you take any pictures of the sunset?

She took some great photos of the children.

He had his photograph taken by a professional.

Learner example:

Sometimes I take photos [of] them and I feed these bird[s]. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

take (TRAVEL)
A2 to travel somewhere by using a bus, train, car, etc.
Dictionary example:

Are you taking the train to Chicago?

Learner example:

Then, we can take a cab. (Key English Test; A2; Malay)

take (NEEDS TIME)
A2 If something takes a particular amount of time, you need that amount of time in order to be able to do it.
Dictionary examples:

It took me three days to finish the job.

I'll just finish off this report - it won't take long.

Learner example:

It's going to take 2 hours. (Key English Test; A2; Turkish)

Take care!
A2 used when saying goodbye to someone
Dictionary example:

See you soon, Bob - take care!

Learner example:

Take care and see you soon. (Key English Test; A2; Hungarian)

take (DIRECTIONS)
A2 used to tell someone which road to go along in order to get somewhere
Dictionary examples:

Take the third turn on the left.

Take the main road out of town.

Learner example:

You can go to the city center. [Y]ou take St Mark's avenue and [then] you arrive. (Key English Test; A2; French)

take (HEALTH)
A2 to swallow or use medicine
Dictionary example:

Take two tablets, three times a day.

Learner example:

It is important for me because I don't have any other watch and I need to check [the] time to take my medicine. (Key English Test; A2; Hindi)

take an exam
A2 to do an exam
Dictionary example:

I have to take some exams in June.

Learner example:

It's important because I'm taking [an] exam next week. (Key English Test; A2; Japanese)

take (GET HOLD)
B1 to get hold of something and move it
Dictionary examples:

He reached across and took the glass from her.

He took my arm and led me outside.

Learner example:

So, she took me by the arm and brought me to the dance floor where everybody was waiting for that last man. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

take (WITHOUT PERMISSION)
B1 to remove something without permission
Dictionary examples:

Someone's taken my coat!

Has anything been taken?

Learner example:

He had taken our suitcases by mistake. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take (ACCEPT)
B1 to accept or have something
Dictionary examples:

Are you going to take the job?

Do they take credit cards here?

Learner example:

If you take this job, you have to be prepared not to have enough spare time for thin[g]s that you like to do, since you would be at work [all] day. (First Certificate in English; B2; Serbian)

take (PERFORM ACTION)
B1 used with some nouns to say that someone performs an action
Dictionary examples:

I need to take a shower.

Would you like to take a swim?

Take a look at this.

I thought we could take a walk after lunch.

Take a deep breath.

Learner example:

I took a shower and ate my breakfast. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Thai)

take care of sb/sth
B1 to look after someone or something
Dictionary examples:

I'll take good care of her.

Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself.

Learner example:

My dad had to go to Canada for a meeting, so he asked me to take care of her. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take (WRITE)
B1 to write something
Dictionary examples:

Did you take their number?

I took notes during the talk.

Alice isn't here at the moment. Can I take a message?

Learner example:

My friend Jennifer is going to take notes for me and she will tell me about the work I missed on Monday. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)

take (STUDY)
B1 to study a subject in order to do an exam
Dictionary examples:

He's taking math, chemistry and physics.

I took a course in accountancy.

Learner example:

My old English class wasn't good enough because the lessons were just [i]n the evening and also we didn't have enough conversation. So I decided to take [a] full-time course. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Croatian)

take part
B1 to be involved in an activity with other people
Dictionary example:

She doesn't usually take part in any of the class activities.

Learner example:

The practi[c]e was for a big competition at our club, in which teams from Munich and Cologne will take part. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

take place
B1 to happen
Dictionary example:

The concert takes place next Thursday.

Learner example:

A dance night will take place in the club soon. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

take a break/rest, etc.
B1 to stop working for a short period
Dictionary examples:

I think we'll take a break there.

If you're tired, you should take a rest.

Learner example:

When I took a little break to drink something, I met one of my best friends. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

take advantage of sth
B1 to use something good in a situation to help you
Dictionary example:

I thought I'd take advantage of the sports facilities while I'm here.

Learner example:

If you take advantage of this opportunity, in the future you'll thank me. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take it/things easy ()
B1 to relax and not use too much energy
Dictionary example:

After his heart attack, he had to take things easy for a while.

Learner example:

Take it easy and see you soon. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take (CLOTHES)
B1 to wear a particular size of clothes
Dictionary examples:

What size shoe do you take?

I take a size 12 in pants.

take milk/sugar, etc.
B2 to usually have milk/sugar, etc. in your tea or coffee
Dictionary example:

I've forgotten - do you take milk in your tea?

take (REMOVE NUMBER)
B2 to remove one number from another number
Dictionary example:

If you take 4 from 12 you get 8.

take (GRAMMAR)
B2 to need or be followed by another word or structure in order to be grammatically correct
Dictionary example:

This sense of the verb "give" takes two objects.

can't take sth
B2 to not be able to deal with an unpleasant situation
Dictionary example:

We argue all the time and I can't take it any more.

Learner example:

In the end, when Laura couldn't take it anymore, she decided to end her suffering by taking her life. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

take sth/sb seriously
B2 to consider a person, subject or situation to be important or dangerous and worth your attention or respect
Dictionary example:

We take any threats to national security very seriously.

Learner example:

Don't take everything so seriously otherwise you'll probably end up as an old maid and I don't think you want that. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

take pleasure/pride/an interest, etc.
B2 to have a particular, good feeling about something or someone
Dictionary examples:

He takes great pleasure in cooking.

I have always taken an interest in local history.

Learner example:

The amazing thing about him is that he takes pride in his appearance and the image others have of him. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

take account of sth
B2 to consider something when judging a situation
Dictionary example:

A good architect takes account of the building's surroundings.

Learner example:

I hope you will take account of our request. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

take into account sth
B2 to consider something when judging a situation
Dictionary example:

I think you have to take into account the fact that he's a good deal younger than the rest of us.

Learner example:

Taking into account all these arguments, I also think, like many people, that keeping animals in zoos is cruel and unnecessary. (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

take advantage of sb/sth
B2 to treat someone or something badly in order to get what you want
Dictionary example:

I think she takes advantage of his good nature.

Learner example:

There will always be the threat of those men who take advantage of animals' inferior status. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

take your breath away ()
B2 If something takes your breath away, you feel surprise and admiration because it is so beautiful or exciting.
Dictionary example:

The view from the window took my breath away.

Learner example:

The landscape just takes your breath away sometimes. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

take effect
C1 to start to produce results or changes
Dictionary example:

They had to wait ten minutes for the anesthetic to take effect.

Learner example:

Some factories tried to organize the transport[ation] for the employees, but it took effect in small towns only, where people live with[in] shorter distances. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

take charge
B2 to take control of or make yourself responsible for something
Dictionary example:

I was happy to let her take charge of the vacation arrangements.

Learner example:

I am 21 years old which means that I can take charge of school children. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

take control
B2 to start to rule or govern an area
Dictionary example:

The dictator took control of the country in 1933.

Learner example:

In the first part of the story animals take control of a farm in England. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

take a deep breath
B2 to fill your lungs with air
Dictionary example:

Take a deep breath and relax.

Learner example:

But if you took a deep breath after reading the question, don't worry. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

take sb's word for it
B2 to believe what someone says without any proof
Dictionary example:

Take my word for it - this curry is very hot!

Learner example:

Naturally we had to take his word for it. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

take sb/sth for granted
B2 to not show that you are grateful for someone or something, and forget that you are lucky to have them
Dictionary example:

Most of us take our freedom for granted.

Learner example:

So don't take the telephone for granted, but keep in mind that our modern way of life is mainly due to its invention. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

take it for granted
B2 to believe that something is true without checking or thinking about it
Dictionary example:

I took it for granted that we'd be invited to the wedding.

Learner example:

I have taken it for granted that you will arrive for dinner. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

take the/this opportunity to do sth
B2 to use an occasion to do or say something
Dictionary example:

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you.

Learner example:

Most of the comments [are] not right at all. I would like to take this opportunity to correct them. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

take sb's place
B2 to do something instead of someone else
Dictionary example:

If I can't make it to the theater that night you can take my place.

Learner example:

First of all, it had been written that Danny Brook and Tina Truelove were starring, but Danny wasn't there and somebody else took his place. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

take your time
C1 to do something without hurrying
Dictionary example:

Take your time choosing - there's no hurry.

Learner example:

If you're going to land at the Lugano-Agno airport, as you told me in your last letter, the first thing I recommend to you is to be patient and take your time. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Italian)

take it from me
C1 accept that what I say is true, because I know or have experienced it
Dictionary example:

You could be doing a much less interesting job, take it from me.

Learner example:

As you pro[b]ably already know, Greeks love sport[s] so, take it from me, you won't have difficulty in finding sports facilities of any kind, wherever you decide to go. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

take the initiative
C1 to be the first person to do something that solves a problem or improves a situation
Dictionary example:

Jackson had taken the initiative and prepared a report.

Learner example:

I took the initiative to contact Sue Wilton, who is the manager of the restaurant "El Plato". (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

take issue (with sb/sth)
C1 to disagree with what someone says or writes
Dictionary example:

Isn’t the need to hire more staff what’s really at issue here.

Learner example:

On behalf of the staff who worked for this event, I would like to take issue with the report's inaccuracies and unfair remarks. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Japanese)

take the liberty of doing sth
C1 to do something that will have an effect on someone else, without asking their permission
Dictionary example:

I took the liberty of booking theater seats for us.

Learner example:

I have taken the liberty of listing some of my ideas and suggestions and hope they will be of interest to you. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

take sth personally
C1 to think that someone is criticizing you or to feel that a failure or bad situation is your fault
Dictionary example:

You shouldn't take everything so personally.

Learner example:

She tends to take things too personally, and sometimes she over[r]eacts. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

take care of sth/doing sth
C1 to be responsible for dealing with something
Dictionary example:

I did the cooking while Guy took care of cleaning up.

Learner example:

As for special requirements, one man and one woman are vegetarians and the woman is allergic to cats. I hope you are able to take care of that. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Danish)

take (UNDERSTAND)
C2 to understand something in a particular way
Dictionary example:

Whatever I say she'll take it the wrong way.

take sth as it comes
C2 to deal with something as it happens, without planning for it
Dictionary example:

With an illness like this you just have to take every day as it comes.

Learner example:

We should, for once, put our [jea]lousy aside, start to appr[e]ciate what we have and take life as it comes. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

take (MEASURE)
C2 to measure something
Dictionary example:

Have you taken her temperature?

Learner example:

The importance of absolute truth in keeping the laboratory records, in taking the temperature of the test animals, was "engraved" in our young minds. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

I take it (that)
C2 used when you think that what you say is probably true
Dictionary example:

I take it you're not coming with us?

take (NEED A QUALITY)
C2 If something takes a particular quality, you need that quality in order to be able to do it.
Dictionary example:

Parachuting takes a lot of nerve.

Learner example:

It takes courage to give up a certain sense of security and face the unknown. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

take sth to heart
C2 If you take criticism or advice to heart, you think about it seriously.
Dictionary example:

Don't take it to heart - he was only joking about your hair.

Learner example:

I hope you will take my advi[c]e to heart. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

not take kindly to sth
C2 to not like something that someone says or does
Dictionary example:

He doesn't take kindly to criticism.

Learner example:

His wife didn't take kindly to his lateness and immediately snarled at him as though [she was] a tigress snapping her claws in a cat-fight. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)

take the law into your own hands
C2 to do something illegal in order to punish someone because you know that the law will not punish that person
Dictionary example:

The police did nothing about the thefts, so they took the law into their own hands.

Learner example:

Therefore, locals are scared to death, leading to their taking the law into their own hands. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

take the plunge
C2 to do something important or difficult, especially after thinking about it for a long time
Dictionary example:

We're finally going to take the plunge and buy a house.

Learner example:

Being unable to stand this m[y]stery, I decided to take the plunge and follow him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

take its toll
C2 to have a bad effect on someone or something, especially over a long period of time
Dictionary example:

The stress was starting to take its toll on him.

Learner example:

The famine has obviously taken its toll on him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

take a turn for the better/worse
C2 to become better or worse suddenly
Dictionary example:

The weather took a turn for the better.

Learner example:

Despite all the environmental problems it is up to us to prevent things from taking a turn for the worse. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

take a dim view of sth
C2 to disapprove of something
Dictionary example:

Most bosses take a dim view of long lunches.

Learner example:

It's nearly impossible to see him strolling or strutting, in fact he is always striding; he is also one of the few men who still speaks with an accent, despite the fact that he perfectly knows that someone could take a dim view of him for this. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

take shape
C2 to start to develop and become more clear or certain
Dictionary example:

The project is slowly beginning to take shape.

Learner example:

It is high time that their dreams took shape! (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Bulgarian)

take stock (of sth)
C2 to think carefully about a situation before making a decision
Dictionary example:

We need to pause and take stock of what still needs to be done.

take after sb
B2 to be similar to an older member of your family
Dictionary example:

Peter's very tall - he takes after his father.

Learner example:

They are nice kids and they take after my mother. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

take sb around (sth/swh)
B2 to walk through a building or visit a place with someone, showing them the most interesting or important parts
Dictionary example:

A guide took us around the museum.

Learner example:

Can you imagine how [pleased] we were with your kind offer to take us around Kyoto. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

take away sth or take sth away (NUMBERS)
B2 to remove one number from another number
Dictionary examples:

Four take away two is two.

If you take 4 away from 12 you get 8.

take away sth or take sth away (REMOVE)
B2 to remove something
Dictionary examples:

A waiter came to take our plates away.

Supermarkets are taking business away from small local stores.

Learner example:

The animals were taken away from their own habitat and will spend the rest of their lives in a complete[ly] different situation. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

take back sth or take sth back
B1 to return something to the place you borrowed or bought it from
Dictionary examples:

Is it too small? Take it back and get a refund.

I must take my library books back.

take down sth or take sth down
B2 to remove something that is on a wall or something that is temporary
Dictionary examples:

I've taken the pictures down.

We were taking the tent down.

Learner example:

He was taking down a picture of Laura. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

take in sth or take sth in
C2 to understand completely the meaning or importance of something
Dictionary examples:

I had to read the letter twice before I could take it all in.

It was an interesting exhibition, but there was too much to take in at once.

Learner example:

Daddy was dead. They couldn't take it in. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Catalan)

be taken in
B2 to be deceived by someone
Dictionary example:

He told her a pack of lies and she was completely taken in by him.

Learner example:

He may be surprised, but he'll never be taken in. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

take off sth or take sth off (REMOVE)
A2 to remove something, especially clothes
Dictionary example:

He took off his clothes and got into the bathtub.

Learner example:

And in the winter I prefer wearing [a] coat [rather] than [a] swe[a]ter, because the co[a]t is easy to put on and easy to take off. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Arabic)

take off sth or take sth off (NOT WORK)
B2 to spend time away from your work
Dictionary example:

He took off two weeks in September.

Learner example:

I will try to take some time off so I can come with you, but I don't know if that is possible. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

take off (FLY)
A2 If an aircraft takes off, it leaves the ground and begins to fly.
Dictionary example:

The plane took off at 8.30 a.m.

Learner example:

The plane took off at 12. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

take off (SUCCEED)
B2 to suddenly start to be successful or popular
Dictionary example:

Her singing career had just begun to take off.

Learner example:

The waitresses are quite rude. If you hire new ones, your sales will probably take off. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

take on sb or take sb on
B2 to employ someone
Dictionary example:

She was taken on as a laboratory assistant.

Learner example:

To find a job will be no problem, because I work in a coffee shop and I am sure that they will take you on. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swiss German)

take on sth or take sth on
C1 to accept a particular job or responsibility
Dictionary example:

Make sure you don't take on too much work.

Learner example:

So I would take on the job if you changed the conditions. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

take out sb or take sb out
B1 to go somewhere with someone and pay for them
Dictionary examples:

My dad's taking the whole family out to the theater.

Our boss took us out for a meal.

Learner example:

He was going to take me out to have lunch. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take out sth or take sth out (REMOVE)
B1 to remove something from somewhere
Dictionary examples:

He reached into his bag and took out a book.

I've had a tooth taken out.

Learner example:

He took out a knife and when he was about to kill me, I woke up. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

take out sth or take sth out (FOOD)
B1 to buy food in a restaurant or store and eat it somewhere else
Dictionary example:

Will that be to eat in or take out?

take out sth or take sth out (MONEY)
B2 to get money from a bank
Dictionary example:

I took out $50 for the weekend.

take over (sth) or take (sth) over
B2 to start doing a job or being responsible for something that another person did or had responsibility for before
Dictionary examples:

He took over from the previous principal in February.

She took over as manager two weeks ago.

Colin Lamb has taken over responsibility for this project.

Learner example:

The pigs take over all the managerial work, surpervise the other animals and finally alone [make] all the decisions. (First Certificate in English; B2; Slovene)

take over
C2 to become more successful or powerful than something or someone else that is involved in the same type of activity
Dictionary example:

Italy has taken over from Spain as Europe's favorite vacation destination.

Learner example:

TV has taken over as the dominant activity for le[is]ure time, providing something for everyone. (International English Language Testing System; C2; Urdu)

take to sb/sth
C1 to start to like someone or something
Dictionary example:

For some reason I just didn't take to her.

Learner example:

Most children take to her almost immediately. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

take up sth or take sth up (FILL)
B2 to fill an amount of space or time
Dictionary examples:

This desk takes up too much room.

The children take up most of my time.

Learner example:

It doesn't take up much space. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

take up sth or take sth up (START)
B1 to start doing a particular activity or job
Dictionary examples:

He's taken up cycling in his spare time

She's taken up the post of supervisor.

Learner example:

I played badminton a couple of years ago and I would very much like to take it up again. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

take · noun /teɪk/
Nouns: take, taker, undertaking
Verbs: take, overtake, undertake
your take on sth
C2 your opinion about a situation
Dictionary example:

What's your take on the plan to close the library?

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