Taking

Taking, in its broadest sense, refers to the act of acquiring, receiving, or removing something. It can encompass various actions, from physical actions like seizing or capturing, to mental acts like considering or understanding. It implies interaction with an object, concept, or situation, resulting in possession, comprehension, or control. The context heavily influences the meaning, ranging from simple procurement to more complex actions involving responsibility, advantage, or detriment. The nature of what is being 'taken' also varies greatly from food, goods, opportunities to even responsibility and drugs. The implied motive, methods and outcome are key considerations. Often, the act implies a degree of agency and deliberate choice, even if involuntary, as in 'taking a turn'.

Taking meaning with examples

• After a long hike, we were exhausted, so we decided to start taking things from the vending machines at the trail's end. I took a bottle of water and a bag of chips, sharing the cost with my friend. taking supplies from the machines was so great, as we were low on energy! We knew we needed to take something to re-energise for the drive home, before taking our rest. We were taking a well deserved break.
• The new manager started taking steps to reorganize the department. He was taking the initiative to address inefficiencies. He decided to start taking into account the experience levels when assigning projects, he took action after hearing our suggestion on project planning. The goal was to make more effective processes that involved taking our feedback into account before action, which would benefit the entire team.
• She was taking a moment to process the news before responding. She felt overwhelmed and had to take a step back. After taking a deep breath she decided to take an objective viewpoint of the subject at hand. Then taking the right steps from the new point of view. taking this step would help to make a reasoned decision which would have repercussions
• The artist started taking inspiration from natural forms for his sculptures. taking those initial ideas, he would begin taking the necessary time to model the concepts in clay, with his workshop acting as a safe space to take risks with his new artistic expression, he found taking from new materials a great opportunity to create original work, before he had to take his new works of art to galleries.