take

Take is a highly versatile word in English, functioning as a verb with many senses and as a noun in specialized domains. Its origins trace back to Old English and the broader Germanic language family, and its meanings have expanded through centuries of usage to cover a wide range of actions, events, and concepts.

As a verb, take commonly means to seize or grasp something with the hands, to remove something from a place, or to obtain or receive something. It can indicate acceptance or responsibility (take a job), require or demand (that takes courage), or perform an action (take a seat, take a photo, take medicine). Many common expressions use take in combination with prepositions or particles, such as take on, take over, take up, take in, and take part, which further expand its range of meanings.

As a noun, take has specialized uses. In film and television, a take is a single recording of a scene, with directors often selecting among multiple takes for the final cut; phrases like first take and second take are standard. In journalism and commentary, a take can also refer to a particular interpretation or point of view on a topic, as in “her take on the issue.”

In law and policy, take refers to the act of capturing, harming, or otherwise infringing on wildlife or property. Under the Endangered Species Act and related regulations, a take includes activities such as harassing, harming, pursuing, shooting, trapping, or killing wildlife. In everyday life, take can also describe food intended to be eaten elsewhere (takeout or takeaway).

Overall, take serves as a core, multi-use term across language, media, law, and daily life.