Take On (Verb)
Meaning 1
Contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle; "Princeton plays Yale this weekend"; "Charlie likes to play Mary".
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- The Australian boxer is ready to take on the reigning champion in the title bout tonight.
- In the battle for first place, the home team will take on their arch-rivals next Friday.
- Our chess club will take on a visiting team from Russia in a friendly match next month.
- She's agreed to take on John in the final round of the Scrabble tournament tomorrow.
- The underdog football team is preparing to take on the undefeated league leaders this Saturday.
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Meaning 2
Take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities; "When will the new President assume office?".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- She took on the title of CEO after the company's founder retired.
- The new mayor will take on his official duties next Monday during the inauguration ceremony.
- When does the incoming CEO plan to take on her new responsibilities.
- The prime minister will take on the office in a few days, following a ceremonial swearing-in event.
- After the parliamentary elections, the newly elected members will take on their official roles.
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Meaning 3
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect; "His voice took on a sad tone"; "The story took a new turn"; "he adopted an air of superiority"; "She assumed strange manners"; "The gods assume human or animal form in these fables".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- As the house grew older, it took on a quaint, nostalgic charm.
- Her smile took on a devious quality that seemed to hint at her next move.
- Over the years, the organization took on a more charitable role in the community.
- The waterfall took on a surreal quality in the misty morning light.
- When she stepped onto the stage, her demeanor took on an air of confidence.
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Meaning 4
Accept as a challenge; "I'll tackle this difficult task".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The boxer was eager to take on the current heavyweight champion of the world in the upcoming title match.
- She decided to take on an additional job to support her family during the difficult financial times.
- The new lawyer chose to take on the high-profile case despite knowing the intense media scrutiny.
- The company agreed to take on the project, although the deadline was incredibly tight.
- The small-town team was excited to take on the undefeated city champions in the big game.
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Meaning 5
Admit into a group or community; "accept students for graduate study"; "We'll have to vote on whether or not to admit a new member".
Classification
Verbs of buying, selling, owning.
Examples
- The exclusive yacht club agreed to take on a handful of new members after a lengthy voting process.
- The graduate school committee decided to take on five students for the upcoming academic year.
- We've decided to take on a few new recruits to help with the charity event.
- The admissions board will carefully review the applications before deciding which students to take on this fall.
- The monastery has agreed to take on three novices as part of their annual intake.