Definition

Verb phrase: 1. To accept something as true or as a fact without questioning it or requiring proof: To believe something is the case without giving it much thought or demanding evidence. 2. To fail to properly appreciate someone or something, perceiving their presence or efforts as always being available or certain: To value a person, relationship, or situation too lightly because you assume it will always be there.

Usage

• This phrase is commonly used to describe an uncritical assumption.
  • Example: We take for granted that the sun will rise every morning.
• It is frequently used to criticize a lack of appreciation, especially in personal relationships.
  • Example: Don't take your health for granted; you must look after it.

Examples

• Describing an assumption:
  • Many people take it for granted that clean water will always flow from the tap.
  • She took his loyalty for granted and was shocked when he resigned.
• Describing a lack of appreciation:
  • He never says thank you; he just takes her for granted.
  • We often take our freedoms for granted until they are threatened.

Advanced Usage

• The structure is often or .
  • Example: I think we can take it for granted that the meeting is at 3 p.m., as no one said otherwise.
• It can be used in the passive voice: .
  • Example: Feeling taken for granted is a common reason for employee dissatisfaction.

Variants and Related Words

• Granted (conjunction/adverb): Used to concede a point, often before making a contrasting statement. (e.g., )
• Take as read (idiom): To accept something as true or agreed without discussion. This is a close synonym for the "assumption" meaning.

Synonyms

• Assume: To suppose something to be true without proof.
• Presume: To take for granted that something is true based on probability.
• Accept uncritically: To believe something without applying judgment or skepticism.

Related Phrases

• Take someone/something for granted is itself a fixed phrasal verb. It does not commonly separate into other distinct phrasal verb forms.

Related Idioms

• Go without saying: To be so obvious that it does not need to be stated. (e.g., ) This relates to the "assumption" meaning.
• Count one's blessings: To consciously appreciate the good things in one's life. This is the opposite action of taking something for granted.

Verb

1. take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
   • I assume his train was late