seize on

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Definition

Verb: * To adopt or take up a new idea, concept, or opportunity with enthusiasm and focus. It implies quickly recognizing the value or potential of something and beginning to use it or support it.

Usage

This verb is used to describe the act of enthusiastically accepting and starting to use a new thought, trend, or chance. It often suggests a swift and decisive reaction. * The subject is typically a person, group, or organization. * It is followed by the object (the idea or opportunity) directly or introduced by 'on'. * Common structures: seize on [something] or seize upon [something].

Examples
  • The marketing team seized on the viral trend to promote their new product.
  • Politicians often seize upon a single mistake made by their opponents.
  • She seized on the chance to study abroad when the scholarship was offered.
Advanced Usage
  • "to seize on something as an opportunity/excuse/reason": To quickly use something to one's advantage, often highlighting a specific purpose.
    • He seized on her comment as an excuse to leave the meeting early.
  • "to be seized on/upon" (Passive Voice): Describes an idea or opportunity that has been adopted.
    • The theory was quickly seized upon by other researchers in the field.
Variants and Related Words
  • Seize upon: A variant with identical meaning and usage to "seize on". The choice between "on" and "upon" is often a matter of style, with "upon" sometimes sounding slightly more formal.
  • Latch onto (phrasal verb): A close synonym meaning to become attached to an idea or person, sometimes with a connotation of being unwilling to let go.
  • Embrace (verb): To accept or support something willingly and enthusiastically. It is a strong synonym but lacks the connotation of swift action inherent in "seize on".
Synonyms
  • Adopt
  • Embrace
  • Take up
  • Exploit
  • Capitalize on
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Jump on: To quickly take advantage of an opportunity, very similar in meaning to "seize on" but can be more informal.
    • Investors jumped on the chance to buy the stock at a low price.
  • Pounce on: To seize something suddenly and eagerly, often used for both physical actions and abstract ideas. It can imply more aggression or eagerness than "seize on".
    • The media pounced on the celebrity's scandal.
Related Idioms
  • To grab (hold of) an opportunity: To take an opportunity decisively. This idiom shares the core meaning of swift action but is not a direct phrasal verb variant of "seize".
    • You must grab hold of every opportunity that comes your way.
Verb
  1. adopt
    • take up new ideas

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