Meaning of the word "take up" in English

What does "take up" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

take up

US /teɪk ˈʌp/

UK /teɪk ˈʌp/

to start a hobby, sport, or other activity

Example:

•

She decided to take up painting in her free time.

•

He's thinking of taking up golf.

Synonym:

start begin commence engage in pursue

to occupy space or time

Example:

•

This sofa will take up too much space in the living room.

•

My new job will take up most of my time.

Synonym:

occupy fill consume absorb

to shorten a piece of clothing

Example:

•

The tailor needs to take up the hem of these trousers.

•

Can you take up this dress for me? It's too long.

Synonym:

shorten hem alter

to accept an offer or challenge

Example:

•

He decided to take up the job offer.

•

She was quick to take up the challenge.

Synonym:

accept embrace undertake assume

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