Phrase guide

take to

verb · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To adapt to; to learn, grasp or master.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Although he had never skated before, he took to it quickly, and soon glided around the ice with ease.
  • She took to swimming like a fish.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To enter; to go into or move towards.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • As the train rushed through, thousands of birds took to the air at once.
  • When I felt slepy I took to my bed.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To begin, as a new habit or practice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • After the third one was rejected, she took to asking the department to check the form before she submitted it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To be attracted to.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

have a fancy or particular liking or desire for

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • She fancied a necklace that she had seen in the jeweler's window

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: fancy, go for

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: desire, want

6

verb

Meaning 6

develop a habit; apply oneself to a practice or occupation

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • She took to drink
  • Men take to the military trades

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.