took

Definition

1. Verb:
   • Past tense of "take": "took" is the simple past form of the verb "take", meaning to grasp, seize, or carry something from one place to another.
   • To capture or obtain: It can refer to the act of capturing or acquiring something.
   • To accept or receive: "took" can mean to accept something offered or given.
   • To require or need: It can indicate that something needed a certain amount of time, effort, or resources.

Usage Examples

• As past tense of "take":

  • He took the book from the shelf. (He grasped and removed the book.)
  • She took her umbrella before leaving. (She carried her umbrella with her.)

• To capture or obtain:

  • The army took the city after a long battle. (The army captured the city.)
  • He took first prize in the competition. (He won the top award.)

• To accept or receive:

  • I took his advice and applied for the job. (I accepted his suggestion.)
  • They took the package from the delivery person. (They received the parcel.)

• To require or need:

  • It took three hours to finish the project. (The project required three hours.)
  • The journey took longer than expected. (The journey needed more time than anticipated.)

Advanced Usage

• "took a turn": to change direction or condition.

  • The conversation took a serious turn. (The discussion changed to a serious topic.)

• "took it upon oneself": to assume responsibility without being asked.

  • She took it upon herself to organize the event. (She voluntarily accepted the task.)

• "took one's time": to proceed slowly or without hurrying.

  • He took his time reading the instructions. (He read carefully and slowly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Take (verb, base form): the present tense form.

  • Please take a seat. (Please sit down.)

• Taken (verb, past participle): used with auxiliary verbs.

  • She has taken the train to work. (She has used the train.)

• Takeover (noun): an act of assuming control.

  • The company faced a hostile takeover. (The company was acquired against its will.)

Synonyms

• Seized: took hold of something forcefully.

  • He seized the opportunity to speak. (He took the chance immediately.)

• Acquired: obtained or gained.

  • She acquired a new skill through practice. (She took on a new ability.)

• Required: needed or demanded.

  • The task required great effort. (The task took great effort.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Took off: to remove something (like clothing) or to leave quickly.

  • He took off his coat when he entered. (He removed his coat.)
  • The plane took off at dawn. (The aircraft departed.)

• Took over: to assume control or responsibility.

  • She took over the project after the manager left. (She assumed control of the project.)

• Took in: to absorb or understand, or to provide shelter.

  • I took in the beauty of the landscape. (I absorbed the view.)
  • They took in a stray dog. (They provided shelter for the dog.)

Related Idioms

• Took a stand: to adopt a firm position or opinion.

  • He took a stand against injustice. (He firmly opposed injustice.)

• Took a leaf out of someone's book: to imitate someone's behavior.

  • She took a leaf out of her mentor's book and started volunteering. (She imitated her mentor's actions.)

• Took the bull by the horns: to confront a difficult situation directly.

  • He took the bull by the horns and addressed the problem. (He faced the issue boldly.)