take up
To start doing something new as a hobby, or to use up space or time.
Meanings
To begin a new hobby, sport, or activity.
"My doctor suggested I take up swimming to help with my back pain."
To fill or occupy space, time, or energy.
"The new sofa takes up almost the entire living room."
To shorten a garment from the bottom by adjusting the hem.
"The trousers were too long, so she had them taken up by a couple of inches."
To accept an offer or opportunity that is presented.
"She decided to take up the scholarship and move to Edinburgh for a year."
Extremely common in everyday English. 'Take up' a hobby implies an ongoing commitment, not just a one-time try. The spatial/temporal sense is very frequent in business and academic writing ('This issue takes up considerable space').
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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