taken up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Engrossed or preoccupied: Being completely occupied or absorbed by a thought, activity, or concern, to the exclusion of other things. 2. Adopted or assumed: Having been accepted, started, or undertaken.
Usage and Examples
Adjective (Engrossed):
- She was so taken up with the final chapter of the novel that she didn't hear the doorbell.
- He is completely taken up with planning the conference; don't expect him to be free this week.
- The manager was taken up in a lengthy discussion and couldn't attend the meeting.
Adjective (Adopted):
- The cause was taken up by several prominent activists. (Meaning: adopted/supported)
- A new hobby was taken up by many during the lockdown. (Meaning: started/undertaken)
Advanced Usage
- "to be taken up with something": This is the most common structure, emphasizing the subject of the preoccupation.
- Her days are taken up with volunteer work and family.
- "to be taken up in something": A slightly more literary variant, often used for being absorbed in an activity or state.
- He was taken up in the music and forgot his troubles.
Variants and Related Words
- Take up (Phrasal Verb): The verb form from which this adjective is derived.
- Verb: To begin a hobby, sport, or job. (e.g., She decided to take up painting.)
- Verb: To occupy time, space, or attention. (e.g., The desk takes up too much room.)
- Verb: To accept an offer or challenge. (e.g., I'll take up your suggestion.)
Synonyms
- Engrossed: Having all one's attention or interest absorbed.
- Preoccupied: Absorbed in thought; distracted.
- Absorbed: Very interested in something and not paying attention to anything else.
- Obsessed: Preoccupied with something to an excessive degree.
- Occupied: Busy or engaged with a task.
Related Phrasal Verbs (from the base verb 'take')
- Take on: To accept a responsibility or challenge.
- He took on too many projects and became overwhelmed.
- Take over: To assume control of something.
- The new manager will take over next month.
Related Idioms
- To have one's hands full: To be very busy or completely occupied.
- With three young children, she has her hands full. (This shares the meaning of being fully occupied, like "taken up.")
Adjective
- having or showing excessive or compulsive concern with something
- became more and more haunted by the stupid riddle
- was absolutely obsessed with the girl
- got no help from his wife who was preoccupied with the children
- he was taken up in worry for the old woman