Definition

Verb: 1. To resemble (a parent or relative) in appearance, character, or behavior: To have similar physical features, personality traits, or mannerisms as a family member, especially a parent or grandparent. 2. To imitate or emulate someone: To model one's behavior or actions after another person.

Usage

The verb "take after" is a phrasal verb. It is used with an object (the person who is resembled). It is not typically used in the passive voice. The resemblance is usually in positive or neutral traits.

Examples

• She takes after her mother; they have the same smile and kind nature.
• In his love for debate, he really takes after his grandfather.
• Which parent do you take after more?
• He doesn't take after either of his parents in terms of temperament.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used more broadly to mean following the example of a respected figure, not necessarily a relative.
  • As a leader, she takes after her mentor, prioritizing transparency and teamwork.

Variants and Related Words

• Resemble (verb): To look like or be similar to someone or something. ("Resemble" is more general and formal than "take after.")
• Inherit (verb): To receive a genetic trait from a parent. (Often used for specific physical or medical characteristics.)

Synonyms

• Resemble
• Look like
• Favor (US English, as in "She favors her aunt.")
• Emulate (for the behavioral sense)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Look up to: To admire and respect someone. (This relates to the behavioral imitation sense of "take after.")
  • He really looks up to his older brother and tries to take after him.

Related Idioms

• A chip off the old block: An idiom meaning someone who is very similar in character to one of their parents.
  • He's a chip off the old block—he takes after his father in every way.

Verb

1. imitate in behavior; take as a model
   • Teenagers follow their friends in everything
2. be similar to a relative
   • She takes after her father!