Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Very attractive; capturing interest: "taking" describes something or someone that is charming, appealing, or captivating in a way that draws attention and interest.

2. Noun:

   • The act of someone who picks up or takes something: "taking" refers to the action of acquiring, seizing, or removing something.
   • (plural: takings) Money received, especially by a business: In its plural form, "takings" commonly refers to the amount of money collected or earned.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • She has a taking smile that lights up the room.
  • The artist's taking style made his work instantly popular.

• Noun (singular):

  • The taking of photographs is not allowed in the museum.
  • The taking of the city by the army was a strategic victory.

• Noun (plural: takings):

  • The shop's daily takings were higher than expected.
  • He counted the takings from the charity event.

Advanced Usage

• "For the taking": Available to be taken or claimed easily.

  • The opportunity was there for the taking, but he hesitated.
  • With the goalkeeper out of position, the goal was there for the taking.

• "Taking it all in": Absorbing or observing everything around you.

  • She sat quietly, taking in the beautiful scenery. (Note: This uses the verb phrase "take in," from which the gerund/noun "taking" is derived.)

Variants and Related Words

• Take (verb): The base form, meaning to lay hold of, acquire, or accept.
• Taker (noun): A person who takes something.
  • He is a risk-taker.
• Intake (noun): An act of taking in (e.g., air, food, students).
  • The university's annual student intake.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Charming, fetching, winning, captivating, engaging.
• Noun (act): Seizure, appropriation, acquisition, capture.
• Noun (money): Receipts, proceeds, earnings, income.

Related Phrasal Verbs (from the base verb 'take')

• Take over: To assume control.
  • The new manager will take over next week.
• Take up: To begin a hobby or activity; to occupy space or time.
  • She decided to take up painting.
• Take after: To resemble a family member.
  • He takes after his father in looks.

Related Idioms

• Take it or leave it: Accept the offer as it is, or reject it entirely.
  • That's my final price—take it or leave it.
• Take the cake: To be the most extreme or surprising example (often negative).
  • Of all the rude comments, that one really takes the cake.
• Take with a grain of salt: To be skeptical about the truth or accuracy of something.
  • You should take his stories about his adventures with a grain of salt.

Adjective

1. very attractive; capturing interest
   • a fetching new hairstyle
   • something inexpressibly taking in his manner
   • a winning personality

Noun

1. the act of someone who picks up or takes something
   • the pickings were easy
   • clothing could be had for the taking