OpenSynonym

take up

/teɪk ʌp/

VERB

1. To lift or pick something up

To raise or collect something from a surface or its position.

1.1. Lifting or collecting an object

To grasp and raise something, or collect it from where it has been placed.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • put down
  • drop
  • lower
  • set down

Examples

  • She takes up the book from the table and begins reading.
  • He took up the fallen papers and arranged them neatly.
  • Please take up your belongings before leaving the room.

Related Words

VERB

2. To begin a new activity or interest

To start doing an activity, hobby, or pursuit, often regularly.

2.1. Starting a hobby or regular activity

To begin participating in an activity or developing an interest as part of one's routine.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • She takes up painting as a hobby after retiring.
  • He decided to take up jogging to improve his fitness.
  • They encouraged their daughter to take up playing the piano.

Related Words

VERB

3. To address or deal with an issue

To begin considering, discussing, or dealing with a particular subject, problem, or challenge.

3.1. Addressing a problem or subject

To turn one's attention to an issue and make an effort to discuss, investigate, or resolve it.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The committee takes up the issue at its next meeting.
  • The government plans to take up the problem of rising housing costs.
  • She took up the complaint and asked for a formal investigation.

Related Words

  • investigate
  • examine
  • consider
  • resolve
  • discuss

VERB

4. To occupy or consume space or time

To use or fill a particular amount of space, time, or capacity.

4.1. Filling space or using time

To occupy an area or require a portion of the available time or space.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The new furniture takes up too much space in the living room.
  • The meeting takes up most of her afternoon.
  • These files take up a considerable amount of storage space.

Related Words

VERB

5. To shorten clothing by folding and sewing

To shorten a garment by folding its edge and sewing it in place.

5.1. Shortening a garment with a hem

To adjust the length of clothing by folding and stitching the lower edge or another part of the garment.

Synonyms

  • hem
  • turn up
  • shorten
  • alter

Antonyms

Examples

  • The tailor takes up the trousers to fit the customer.
  • She asked the seamstress to take up her dress by two inches.
  • I need to take up these curtains before hanging them.

Related Words

VERB

6. To resume an activity

To continue doing something after it has been interrupted or paused.

6.1. Continuing after an interruption

To return to an activity, task, or process that was previously stopped or suspended.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • After the break, the students take up their lessons again.
  • She took up the conversation where they had left off.
  • The workers will take up the project again next Monday.

Related Words

  • proceed
  • reopen
  • return to
  • persevere

VERB

7. To accept an offer or proposal

To agree to accept or act on an offer, invitation, suggestion, or opportunity.

7.1. Accepting an offer or opportunity

To agree to an offer, invitation, or proposal and decide to make use of the opportunity.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • reject
  • decline
  • refuse
  • turn down
  • dismiss

Examples

  • She decided to take up the offer to study abroad.
  • He took up the invitation to speak at the conference.
  • The company is considering whether to take up the proposal.

Related Words

VERB

8. To adopt or put something into use

To begin using, applying, or implementing a method, system, practice, or idea.

8.1. Adopting a method or practice

To introduce and begin using a particular approach, system, or practice.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The company takes up a new approach to customer service.
  • The school has taken up a digital learning system.
  • They decided to take up the proposed safety measures.

Related Words

NOUN

9. The act or process of taking something up

The process of gathering, absorbing, tightening, or drawing something in, depending on the particular application.

9.1. Absorption or drawing something in

The process by which a material or mechanism absorbs, collects, or draws in a substance or loose material.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The take-up of moisture by the material affects its performance.
  • The machine controls the take-up of thread during operation.

Related Words

9.2. A mechanism for tightening or winding material

A device or component that draws in loose thread, yarn, or another material and keeps it under appropriate tension.

Synonyms

  • tensioner
  • take-up mechanism
  • winding mechanism

Examples

  • The sewing machine's take-up controls the thread during stitching.
  • The technician adjusted the take-up to maintain proper thread tension.

Related Words

  • spool
  • reel
  • thread guide
  • tension control

NOUN

10. Acceptance of an offer or proposal

The act of accepting or agreeing to an offer, proposal, or opportunity.

10.1. Acceptance or adoption of an offer

The decision or act of agreeing to an offer, proposal, or opportunity.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The take-up of the offer was higher than expected.
  • The proposal's take-up increased after the company improved its terms.

Related Words