take

/teɪk/

Reviewed on October 21, 2026

Also a noun

Meaning

1
To reach out and grasp something with the hands, or to obtain possession of an item.
- Please take an umbrella by the door before walking out into the heavy rain.
2
To carry, lead, or transport someone or something to another location.
- A shuttle bus will take visitors from the parking lot directly to the terminal.
3
To require or consume a particular amount of time, effort, or resources.
- Preparing the final balance sheet will take at least two full business days.
4
To accept, receive, or endure something offered or imposed.
- The small cafe refused to take personal checks or large denominations of cash.
5
To interpret, understand, or react to an action, statement, or situation in a specified way.
- Do not take her direct tone as an insult; she simply values efficiency.
6
To use a vehicle, road, or route to travel.
- I take the subway to work every morning.
- We took the scenic route along the coast.
7
To study a subject, or do a course or test.
- She's taking a Spanish class this semester.
- Have you taken the driving test yet?

When this means “grasp or obtain”

“take them.”

He decided to take the keys from the counter before leaving.

When this means “transport someone or something”

“take them there.”

She agreed to take the guests home after the dinner concluded.

When this means “require time or effort”

“take it.”

The detailed inspection will take several hours to complete properly.

When this means “interpret in a certain way”

“take it as criticism.”

She did not take the comment as criticism.

take a toll
Cause damage or suffering over time
Constant travel will inevitably take a toll on your overall health.
take place
to happen
The concert will take place in the park on Saturday.