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take in

B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To let something into your mind, your home, or to be tricked by someone.

Literal meaning: To take something and bring it inside a space.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

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
Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral

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."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

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."

Grammar: separable
4 B2 neutral

To make a garment smaller by sewing in the fabric.

"The tailor took in the jacket at the sides so it fit him perfectly."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

information surroundings stray refugee view waist

Forms

Base
take in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes in
he/she/it
Past simple
took in
yesterday
Past participle
taken in
have + pp
-ing form
taking in
continuous

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Synonyms

absorb accommodate shelter deceive comprehend encompass

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