To absorb, understand, or include something; to provide accommodation; or to be deceived.
To let something into your mind, your home, or to be tricked by someone.
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To fully understand or absorb information, a scene, or an experience.
"She paused at the top of the hill to take in the magnificent view of the valley below."
It's a lot to take in all at once.
— Common conversational expression, widely attested in native speaker dialogue
To allow someone to stay in your home, especially when they have no place to go.
"After the flood destroyed their house, my aunt took in the whole family for three months."
To deceive or trick someone into believing something false.
"I can't believe I was taken in by that scam — the website looked completely legitimate."
To make a garment smaller by sewing in the fabric.
"The tailor took in the jacket at the sides so it fit him perfectly."
To take something and bring it inside a space.
To let something into your mind, your home, or to be tricked by someone.
One of the most versatile phrasal verbs in English. The sense of 'being deceived' is slightly more informal. The tailoring sense ('take in a dress') is specific to clothing alteration. Common in both British and American English.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "take in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.