Catch vs. Take — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 15, 2024
"Catch" often implies an action to seize or stop something in motion, using skill or effort, while "take" suggests acquiring possession or control of something, with a broader range of application.
Difference Between Catch and Take
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The verb "catch" primarily denotes the action of seizing or capturing something that is moving or falling, requiring timing, skill, or effort. It suggests an element of pursuit or reaction, such as catching a ball or a bus. In contrast, "take" is a more general verb that involves getting into one's possession or control, whether by picking up, accepting, or acquiring something. This action does not necessarily involve movement or effort similar to that required in catching.
In usage, "catch" can also refer to becoming suddenly aware of or to contract something, such as catching a scent or catching a cold, emphasizing the involuntary or unexpected aspect of acquisition. On the other hand, "take" can imply a deliberate action or decision, as in taking a job or taking a stand, showcasing its versatility in contexts ranging from physical acquisition to abstract acceptance.
The context in which "catch" is used often involves a dynamic process or an element of challenge, including catching someone in an act of doing something, which implies detection or discovery. Whereas "take" can be used in a wide array of contexts, including the transfer of ownership, accepting or assuming responsibilities, or consuming substances, such as taking medicine.
Phrasal verbs highlight the versatility of both verbs. "Catch up" implies making an effort to reach the same level or status as someone else, while "take over" suggests assuming control or duties from another. These usages underscore the action-oriented nature of "catch" and the broad applicability of "take" across various actions and transactions.
While both verbs indicate a change of possession or state, "catch" often carries connotations of immediacy and sometimes urgency, reflecting the need to act swiftly to seize or stop. "Take," however, can denote a more measured or deliberate process, emphasizing the act of possession or acceptance over the method of acquisition.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To seize or stop something in motion with effort or skill.
To acquire possession or control of something.
Implication
Action, skill, and timing are involved.
Broad application, ranging from physical to abstract.
Usage Context
Pursuit, reaction, involuntary acquisition.
Deliberate action, physical acquisition, abstract acceptance.
Examples
Catching a ball, catching a thief.
Taking a picture, taking a break.
Connotations
Immediacy, urgency, and sometimes challenge.
Measured process, versatility, and deliberate action.
Compare with Definitions
Catch
To contract an illness.
He caught a cold during the trip.
Take
To pick something up.
Take the book from the shelf.
Catch
To seize something in motion.
She managed to catch the frisbee.
Take
To consume something.
Take your medicine in the morning.
Catch
To suddenly understand or realize.
It took a moment for the joke to catch on.
Take
To choose or select.
Take the blue one.
Catch
To detect or discover.
The camera caught him leaving early.
Take
To accept something offered.
She took the opportunity without hesitation.
Catch
To take prompt action to deal with something.
Catching a leak before it worsens.
Take
To assume a role or duty.
He took charge of the project.
Catch
Intercept and hold (something which has been thrown, propelled, or dropped)
She threw the bottle into the air and caught it again
Take
A take is a single continuous recorded performance. The term is used in film and music to denote and track the stages of production.
Catch
Capture (a person or animal that tries or would try to escape)
We hadn't caught a single rabbit
Take
Lay hold of (something) with one's hands; reach for and hold
He leaned forward to take her hand
Catch
(of an object) accidentally become entangled or trapped in something
A button caught in her hair
Take
Remove (someone or something) from a particular place
The police took him away
He took an envelope from his inside pocket
Catch
Reach in time and board (a train, bus, or aircraft)
They caught the 12.15 from Oxford
Take
Carry or bring with one; convey
I took him a letter
He took along a portfolio of his drawings
The drive takes you through some wonderful scenery
Catch
Engage (a person's interest or imagination)
It was the business scheme that had caught his imagination
Take
Accept or receive (someone or something)
They don't take children
She was advised to take any job offered
Catch
Strike (someone) on a part of the body
Ben caught him on the chin with an uppercut
Take
Consume as food, drink, medicine, or drugs
Take an aspirin and lie down
Catch
Contract (an illness) through infection or contagion
He served in Macedonia, where he caught malaria
Take
Make, undertake, or perform (an action or task)
Lucy took a deep breath
The key decisions are still to be taken
Catch
Become ignited and start burning
The rafters have caught
Take
Require or use up (a specified amount of time)
It takes me about a quarter of an hour to walk to work
The jury took an hour and a half to find McPherson guilty
Catch
An act of catching something, typically a ball.
Take
(of a plant or seed) take root or begin to grow; germinate
The fuchsia cuttings had taken and were looking good
Catch
A game in which a ball is thrown back and forth between two or more players.
Take
Have or require as part of the appropriate construction
Verbs which take both the infinitive and the finite clause as their object
Catch
A device for securing something such as a door, window, or box
The window catch was rusty
Take
A scene or sequence of sound or vision photographed or recorded continuously at one time
He completed a particularly difficult scene in two takes
Catch
A hidden problem or disadvantage in an apparently ideal situation
There's a catch in it somewhere
Take
An amount of something gained or acquired from one source or in one session
The take from commodity taxation
Catch
An unevenness in a person's voice caused by emotion
There was a catch in Anne's voice
Take
An amount of copy set up at one time or by one compositor.
Catch
A round, typically one with words arranged to produce a humorous effect.
Take
To grasp or grip
Take your partner's hand.
Catch
To get and hold (something that has been in motion) in a hand, the hands, a container, or an implement
Caught the ball in the web of the lacrosse stick.
Take
To capture physically; seize
Take an enemy fortress.
Catch
To take hold of, especially forcibly or suddenly; grasp
Caught me by the arm.
Caught the reins.
Take
To seize with authority or legal right
The town took the land by eminent domain.
Catch
To stop (oneself) from doing an action
I caught myself before replying.
Take
To get possession of (fish or game, for example) by capturing or killing.
Catch
To capture or seize, especially after a chase
The police caught the robber in the next town.
Take
(Sports) To catch or receive (a ball or puck)
The player took the pass on the fly.
Catch
To capture or take by trapping, snaring, or some other means
I caught three fish with that lure.
Take
Sports & Games To acquire in a game or competition; win
Took the crown in horse racing.
Catch
To take in and hold or contain
A pond that catches runoff.
Take
Sports & Games To defeat
Our team took the visitors three to one.
Catch
To discover or come upon suddenly, unexpectedly, or accidentally
He was caught in the act of stealing.
Take
To remove with the hands or an instrument
I took the dishes from the sink. The dentist took two molars.
Catch
To become cognizant or aware of suddenly
Caught her gazing out the window.
Take
To cause to die; kill or destroy
The blight took these tomatoes.
Catch
To reach just in time; get so as to be carried by
Caught the bus to town.
Catch a wave.
Take
To subtract
If you take 10 from 30, you get 20.
Catch
To overtake
The driver of the green car caught the leader on the straightaway.
Take
To exact
The storm took its toll.
Catch
To cause to become hooked, entangled, or fastened
Caught my hem on the stair.
Take
To deal a blow to; strike or hit
The boxer took his opponent a sharp jab to the ribs.
Catch
To hold up; delay
Was caught in traffic for an hour.
Take
To delight or captivate
She was taken by the puppy.
Catch
To make contact with; strike
The boxer caught his opponent with a left hook.
Take
To catch or affect with a particular action
Your remark took me by surprise.
Catch
To propel an object so that it hits (something)
The center caught the back of the net with a hard shot.
Take
To carry in one's possession
Don't forget to take your umbrella. See Usage Note at bring.
Catch
To become subject to or to contract, as by exposure to a pathogen
Catch a cold.
Take
To convey by transportation
This bus will take you to Dallas.
Catch
To become affected by or infused with
Caught the joyous mood of the festival.
Take
To lead or cause to go along to another place
The guide took us to the waterfall.
Catch
To suffer from the receipt of (criticism, for example)
Caught hell for being late.
Take
To be as a path or course for; provide a way for
The trail takes you to the lake.
Catch
To perceive suddenly or momentarily
We caught a glimpse of the movie star. I caught a whiff of her perfume.
Take
To put (food or drink, for example) into the body; eat or drink
Took a little soup for dinner.
Catch
To hear or listen to
Caught the news bulletin on the radio.
Didn't catch the end of your sentence.
Take
To draw in; inhale
Took a deep breath.
Catch
To grasp mentally; apprehend
I don't catch your meaning.
Take
To expose one's body to (healthful or pleasurable treatment, for example)
Take the sun.
Take the waters at a spa.
Catch
To go to see (a performance, for example)
Caught the midnight show.
Take
To move into or assume occupancy of
She took a seat by the fireplace. The team took the field.
Catch
To get (something required), usually quickly or for a brief period
Catch some sleep.
Take
To choose for one's own use; avail oneself of the use of
We took a room in the cheaper hotel.
Catch
To attract and fix; arrest
Couldn't catch their attention.
Caught the teacher's eye.
Take
To require the use of (something)
It takes money to live in this town. This camera takes 35-millimeter film.
Catch
To reproduce or represent effectively
An impressionist who caught the effects of wind and water in his paintings.
Take
To use or require (time)
It only takes a few minutes to wash the car.
Catch
To deceive
Failed to be caught by their fraudulent schemes.
Take
To use (something) as a means of conveyance or transportation
Take a train to Pittsburgh.
Catch
(Baseball) To play (a game) as catcher.
Take
To use (something) as a means of safety or refuge
Take shelter from the storm.
Catch
To become held, entangled, or fastened
My coat caught in the car door.
Take
To choose and then adopt (a particular route or direction) while on foot or while operating a vehicle
Take a right at the next corner. I downshifted to take the corner.
Catch
To act or move so as to hold or grab someone or something
Tried to catch at the life preserver.
Take
To undertake, make, or perform
Take a walk.
Take a decision.
Catch
To be communicable or infectious; spread.
Take
To perceive or become aware of by one of the senses
Took a quick look at the sky.
Took a smell of the spices.
Catch
To become ignited
The fire caught.
Take
To commit and apply oneself to the study of
Take art lessons.
Take Spanish.
Catch
(Baseball) To act as catcher.
Take
To study for with success
Took a degree in law.
Catch
The act of catching, especially the grabbing and holding of a thrown, kicked, or batted ball before it hits the ground.
Take
To accept (something owed, offered, or given) either reluctantly or willingly
Take a bribe.
Catch
A game of throwing and catching a ball.
Take
To allow to come in; give access or admission to; admit
The boat took a lot of water but remained afloat.
Catch
A quantity that is caught
The catch amounted to 50 fish.
Take
To provide room for; accommodate
We can't take more than 100 guests.
Catch
Something that is perceived or noticed
The mistake you found was a good catch.
Take
To become saturated or impregnated with (dye, for example).
Catch
(Informal) A person considered to be an attractive or admirable romantic partner.
Take
To submit to (something inflicted); undergo or suffer
Didn't take his punishment well.
Catch
A tricky or previously unsuspected condition or drawback
It sounds like a good offer, but there may be a catch.
Take
To put up with; endure or tolerate
I've had about all I can take from them.
Catch
A device for fastening something or for checking motion
The car's hood has a safety catch.
Take
To receive into a particular relation or association, as into one's care or keeping
They plan to take a new partner into the firm. We took the dog for a week.
Catch
A choking or stoppage of the breath or voice
A catch in his voice.
Take
To assume for oneself
Take all the credit.
Catch
A snatch; a fragment
Could only hear catches of the song.
Take
To agree to undertake or engage in (a task or duty, for example)
She took the position of chair of the committee.
Catch
(Music) A canonic, often rhythmically intricate composition for three or more voices, popular especially in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Take
(Baseball) To refrain from swinging at (a pitched ball).
Catch
(countable) The act of seizing or capturing.
The catch of the perpetrator was the product of a year of police work.
Take
To be affected with; catch
The child took the flu.
Catch
(countable) The act of catching an object in motion, especially a ball.
The player made an impressive catch.
Nice catch!
Take
To be hit or penetrated by
Took a lot of punches.
Took a bullet in the leg.
Catch
(countable) The act of noticing, understanding or hearing.
Good catch. I never would have remembered that.
Take
To withstand
The dam took the heavy flood waters.
Catch
(uncountable) The game of catching a ball.
The kids love to play catch.
Take
To require or have as a fitting or proper accompaniment
Transitive verbs take a direct object.
Catch
(countable) Something which is captured or caught.
The fishermen took pictures of their catch.
The catch amounted to five tons of swordfish.
Take
To accept as true; believe
I'll take your word that he's telling the truth.
Catch
A find, in particular a boyfriend or girlfriend or prospective spouse.
Did you see his latest catch?
He's a good catch.
Take
To impose upon oneself; subject oneself to
Take a vow.
Catch
(countable) A stopping mechanism, especially a clasp which stops something from opening.
She installed a sturdy catch to keep her cabinets closed tight.
Take
To follow or adhere to (advice or a suggestion, for example).
Catch
(countable) A hesitation in voice, caused by strong emotion.
There was a catch in his voice when he spoke his father's name.
Take
To accept or adopt as one's own
Take a stand on an issue.
Take an interest in local history.
Catch
A concealed difficulty, especially in a deal or negotiation.
It sounds like a great idea, but what's the catch?
Be careful, that's a catch question.
Take
To regard or consider in a particular relation or from a particular viewpoint
We must take the bitter with the sweet. Take the matter as settled.
Catch
(countable) A crick; a sudden muscle pain during unaccustomed positioning when the muscle is in use.
I bent over to see under the table and got a catch in my side.
Take
To understand or interpret
May I take your smile as an indication of approval?.
Catch
(countable) A fragment of music or poetry.
Take
To consider to be equal to; reckon
We take their number at 1,000.
Catch
(obsolete) A state of readiness to capture or seize; an ambush.
Take
To perceive or feel; experience
I took a dislike to my neighbor's intrusions.
Catch
A crop which has germinated and begun to grow.
Take
To obtain from a source; derive or draw
This book takes its title from the Bible.
Catch
(obsolete) A type of strong boat, usually having two masts; a ketch.
Take
To obtain, as through measurement or a specified procedure
Took the patient's temperature.
Catch
A type of humorous round in which the voices gradually catch up with one another; usually sung by men and often having bawdy lyrics.
Take
To write or make a record of, especially in shorthand or cursive writing
Take a letter.
Take notes.
Catch
The refrain; a line or lines of a song which are repeated from verse to verse.
Take
To create (an image, likeness, or representation), as by photography
Took a picture of us.
Catch
The act of catching a hit ball before it reaches the ground, resulting in an out.
Take
To include or distribute (a charge) in a financial record.
Catch
A player in respect of his catching ability; particularly one who catches well.
Take
(Informal) To swindle, defraud, or cheat
You've really been taken.
Catch
The first contact of an oar with the water.
Take
To get something into one's possession; acquire possession
The invaders took and took, until they had everything.
Catch
A stoppage of breath, resembling a slight cough.
Take
To accept or receive something
When it comes to advice, you take but you never give.
Catch
Passing opportunities seized; snatches.
Take
To have the intended effect; operate or work
The skin graft took.
Catch
A slight remembrance; a trace.
Take
To start growing; root or germinate
Have the seeds taken?.
Catch
(heading) To capture, overtake.
Take
To engage or mesh; catch, as gears or other mechanical parts.
Catch
(transitive) To capture or snare (someone or something which would rather escape).
I hope I catch a fish.
He ran but we caught him at the exit.
The police caught the robber at a nearby casino.
Take
To gain popularity or favor
The television series never took and was later canceled.
Catch
(transitive) To entrap or trip up a person; to deceive.
Take
(Regional) To begin or engage in an activity
He took and threw the money in the river.
Catch
To marry or enter into a similar relationship with.
Take
To become
He took sick.
Catch
(transitive) To reach (someone) with a strike, blow, weapon etc.
If he catches you on the chin, you'll be on the mat.
Take
A quantity collected at one time, especially the amount of profit or receipts taken on a business venture or from ticket sales at a sporting event.
Catch
(transitive) To overtake or catch up to; to be in time for.
If you leave now you might catch him.
I would love to have dinner but I have to catch a plane.
Take
The number of fish, game birds, or other animals killed or captured at one time.
Catch
(transitive) To unpleasantly discover unexpectedly; to unpleasantly surprise (someone doing something).
He was caught on video robbing the bank.
He was caught in the act of stealing a biscuit.
Take
A scene filmed without interrupting the run of the camera.
Catch
(transitive) To travel by means of.
Catch the bus
Take
A recording made in a single session.
Catch
To become pregnant. (Only in past tense or as participle.)
Take
A performer's reaction, especially to a specific situation or remark, as part of a comedy routine. Often used in combination
A double-take.
Catch
(heading) To seize hold of.
Take
A physical reaction, such as a rash, indicating a successful vaccination.
Catch
To grab, seize, take hold of.
I caught her by the arm and turned her to face me.
Take
A successful graft.
Catch
(transitive) To take or replenish something necessary, such as breath or sleep.
I have to stop for a moment and catch my breath
I caught some Z's on the train.
Take
An attempt or a try
He got the answer on the third take.
Catch
(transitive) To grip or entangle.
My leg was caught in a tree-root.
Take
An interpretation or assessment, as of an event
The mayor was asked for her take on the judge's decision.
Catch
(intransitive) To be held back or impeded.
Be careful your dress doesn't catch on that knob.
His voice caught when he came to his father's name.
Take
(transitive) To get into one's hands, possession, or control, with or without force.
They took Charlton's gun from his cold, dead hands.
I'll take that plate off the table.
Catch
(intransitive) To engage with some mechanism; to stick, to succeed in interacting with something or initiating some process.
Push it in until it catches.
The engine finally caught and roared to life.
Take
(transitive) To catch or get possession of (fish or game).
Took ten catfish in one afternoon
Catch
(transitive) To have something be held back or impeded.
I caught my heel on the threshold.
Take
To catch the ball; especially as a wicket-keeper and after the batsman has missed or edged it.
Catch
(intransitive) To make a grasping or snatching motion (at).
He caught at the railing as he fell.
Take
(transitive) To appropriate or transfer into one's own possession, sometimes by physically carrying off.
Billy took her pencil.
Catch
(transitive) Of fire, to spread or be conveyed to.
The fire spread slowly until it caught the eaves of the barn.
Take
(transitive) To exact.
Take a toll
Take revenge
Catch
To grip (the water) with one's oars at the beginning of the stroke.
Take
(transitive) To capture or win (a piece or trick) in a game.
Took the next two tricks
Took Smith's rook
Catch
To germinate and set down roots.
The seeds caught and grew.
Take
(transitive) To receive or accept (something) (especially something given or bestowed, awarded, etc).
Took third place
Took bribes
The camera takes 35mm film.
Catch
To contact a wave in such a way that one can ride it back to shore.
Take
(transitive) To receive or accept (something) as payment or compensation.
The store doesn't take checks.
She wouldn't take any money for her help.
Do you take credit?
The vending machine only takes bills, it doesn't take coins.
Catch
To handle an exception.
When the program catches an exception, this is recorded in the log file.
Take
(transitive) To accept and follow (advice, etc).
Take my advice
Catch
(heading) To intercept.
Take
(transitive) To receive into some relationship.
Take a wife
The school only takes new students in the fall.
The therapist wouldn't take him as a client.
Catch
(transitive) To seize or intercept an object moving through the air (or, sometimes, some other medium).
I will throw you the ball, and you catch it.
Watch me catch this raisin in my mouth.
Take
To receive or acquire (property) by law (e.g. as an heir).
Catch
To seize (an opportunity) when it occurs.
Take
(transitive) To remove.
Take two eggs from the carton
Catch
To end a player's innings by catching a hit ball before the first bounce.
Townsend hit 29 before he was caught by Wilson.
Take
(transitive) To subtract.
Take one from three and you are left with two.
Catch
To play (a specific period of time) as the catcher.
He caught the last three innings.
Take
(vulgar) To admit (a penis or the penis of) into one’s bodily cavity.
Catch
(heading) To receive (by being in the way).
Take
(transitive) To defeat (someone or something) in a fight.
Don't try to take that guy. He's bigger than you.
The woman guarding us looks like a professional, but I can take her!
Catch
(transitive) To be the victim of (something unpleasant, painful etc.).
You're going to catch a beating if they find out.
Take
(transitive) To grasp or grip.
He took her hand in his.
Catch
(transitive) To be touched or affected by (something) through exposure.
The sunlight caught the leaves and the trees turned to gold.
Her hair was caught by the light breeze.
Take
(transitive) To select or choose; to pick.
Take whichever bag you like.
She took the best men with her and left the rest to garrison the city.
I'll take the blue plates.
I'll take two sugars in my coffee, please.
Catch
(transitive) To become infected by (an illness).
Everyone seems to be catching the flu this week.
Take
(transitive) To adopt (select) as one's own.
She took his side in every argument.
Take a stand on the important issues
Catch
(intransitive) To spread by infection or similar means.
Take
(transitive) To carry or lead (something or someone).
She took her sword with her everywhere she went.
I'll take the plate with me.
Catch
To receive or be affected by (wind, water, fire etc.).
The bucket catches water from the downspout.
The trees caught quickly in the dry wind.
Take
To transport or carry; to convey to another place.
The next bus will take you to Metz.
I took him for a ride
I took him down to London.
Catch
(transitive) To acquire, as though by infection; to take on through sympathy or infection.
She finally caught the mood of the occasion.
And the next thing I knew, I had caught feelings for her.
Take
To lead (to a place); to serve as a means of reaching.
These stairs take you down to the basement.
Stone Street took us right past the store.
Catch
(transitive) To be hit by something.
He caught a bullet in the back of the head last year.
Take
(transitive) To pass (or attempt to pass) through or around.
She took the steps two or three at a time/
He took the curve / corner too fast.
The pony took every hedge and fence in its path.
Catch
(intransitive) To serve well or poorly for catching, especially for catching fish.
Take
(transitive) To escort or conduct (a person).
He took her to lunch at the new restaurant, took her to the movies, and then took her home.
Catch
To get pregnant.
Well, if you didn't catch this time, we'll have more fun trying again until you do.
Take
(reflexive) To go.
Catch
(heading) To take in with one's senses or intellect.
Take
(transitive) To use as a means of transportation.
Take the ferry
I took a plane.
He took the bus to London, and then took a train to Manchester.
He's 96 but he still takes the stairs.
Catch
(transitive) To grasp mentally: perceive and understand.
Did you catch his name?
Did you catch the way she looked at him?
Take
(obsolete) To visit; to include in a course of travel.
Catch
To take in; to watch or listen to (an entertainment).
I have some free time tonight so I think I'll catch a movie.
Take
(transitive) To obtain for use by payment or lease.
She took a condo at the beach for the summer.
He took a full-page ad in the Times.
Catch
(transitive) To reproduce or echo a spirit or idea faithfully.
You've really caught his determination in this sketch.
Take
(transitive) To obtain or receive regularly by (paid) subscription.
They took two magazines.
I used to take The Sunday Times.
Catch
(heading) To seize attention, interest.
Take
(transitive) To consume.
Catch
(transitive) To charm or entrance.
Take
(transitive) To partake of (food or drink); to consume.
The general took dinner at seven o'clock.
Catch
(transitive) To attract and hold (a faculty or organ of sense).
He managed to catch her attention.
The enormous scarf did catch my eye.
Take
(transitive) To experience, undergo, or endure.
Catch
To lay hold on; to seize, especially with the hand; to grasp (anything) in motion, with the effect of holding; as, to catch a ball.
Take
(transitive) To undergo; to put oneself into, to be subjected to.
Take sun-baths
Take a shower
She made the decision to take chemotherapy.
Catch
To seize after pursuing; to arrest; as, to catch a thief.
Take
(transitive) To submit to; to endure (without ill humor, resentment, or physical failure).
Took a pay cut
Take a joke
If you're in an abusive relationship, don't just sit and take it; you can get help.
The hull took a lot of punishment before it broke.
I can take the noise, but I can't take the smell.
That truck bed will only take two tons.
Catch
To take captive, as in a snare or net, or on a hook; as, to catch a bird or fish.
Take
(transitive) To suffer; to endure (a hardship or damage).
The ship took a direct hit and was destroyed.
Her career took a hit.
Catch
Hence: To insnare; to entangle.
Take
(transitive) To participate in.
She took a vacation to France but spent the whole time feeling miserable that her husband couldn't be there with her.
Aren't you supposed to take your math final today?
Despite my misgivings, I decided to take a meeting with the Russian lawyer.
Catch
To seize with the senses or the mind; to apprehend; as, to catch a melody.
Take
(transitive) To cause to change to a specified state or condition.
He had to take it apart to fix it.
She took down her opponent in two minutes.
Catch
To communicate to; to fasten upon; as, the fire caught the adjoining building.
Take
(transitive) To regard in a specified way.
He took the news badly.
Catch
To engage and attach; to please; to charm.
The soothing arts that catch the fair.
Take
(transitive) To conclude or form (a decision or an opinion) in the mind.
Took the decision to close its last remaining outlet
Took a dim view of city officials
Catch
To get possession of; to attain.
Torment myself to catch the English throne.
Take
(transitive) To understand (especially in a specified way).
Don't take my comments as an insult.
If she took my meaning
Catch
To take or receive; esp. to take by sympathy, contagion, infection, or exposure; as, to catch the spirit of an occasion; to catch the measles or smallpox; to catch cold; the house caught fire.
Take
(transitive) To accept or be given (rightly or wrongly); assume (especially as if by right).
He took all the credit for the project, although he had done almost none of the work.
She took the blame, in the public's eyes, although the debacle was more her husband's fault than her own.
Catch
To come upon unexpectedly or by surprise; to find; as, to catch one in the act of stealing.
Take
(transitive) To believe, to accept the statements of.
Take her word for it
Take him at his word
Catch
To reach in time; to come up with; as, to catch a train.
Take
(transitive) To assume or suppose; to reckon; to regard or consider.
Take it from her comments she won't be there.
I took him to be a person of honor.
He was often taken to be a man of means.
Do you take me for a fool?
Do you take me to be stupid?
Looking at him as he came into the room, I took him for his father.
Catch
To attain possession.
Have is have, however men do catch.
Take
(transitive) To draw, derive, or deduce (a meaning from something).
I'm not sure what moral to take from that story.
Catch
To be held or impeded by entanglement or a light obstruction; as, a kite catches in a tree; a door catches so as not to open.
Take
(transitive) To derive (as a title); to obtain from a source.
"As I Lay Dying" takes its title from Book XI of Homer's "Odyssey"
Catch
To take hold; as, the bolt does not catch.
Take
(transitive) To catch or contract (an illness, etc).
Took a chill
Catch
To spread by, or as by, infecting; to communicate.
Does the sedition catch from man to man?
Take
(transitive) To come upon or catch (in a particular state or situation).
Catch
Act of seizing; a grasp.
Take
(transitive) To captivate or charm; to gain or secure the interest or affection of.
Took her fancy
Took her attention
Catch
That by which anything is caught or temporarily fastened; as, the catch of a gate.
Take
To absorb or be impregnated by (dye, ink, etc); to be susceptible to being treated by (polish, etc).
Cloth that takes dye well
Paper that takes ink
The leather that takes a certain kind of polish
Catch
The posture of seizing; a state of preparation to lay hold of, or of watching he opportunity to seize; as, to lie on the catch.
The common and the canon law . . . lie at catch, and wait advantages one againt another.
Take
To let in (water).
Catch
That which is caught or taken; profit; gain; especially, the whole quantity caught or taken at one time; as, a good catch of fish.
Hector shall have a great catch if he knock out either of your brains.
Take
(transitive) To require.
It takes a while to get used to the smell.
Looks like it's gonna take a taller person to get that down.
Finishing this on schedule will take a lot of overtime.
Catch
Something desirable to be caught, esp. a husband or wife in matrimony.
Take
(transitive) To proceed to fill.
He took a seat in the front row.
Catch
Passing opportunities seized; snatches.
It has been writ by catches with many intervals.
Take
(transitive) To fill, to use up (time or space).
Hunting that whale takes most of his free time.
His collection takes a lot of space.
The trip will take about ten minutes.
Catch
A slight remembrance; a trace.
We retain a catch of those pretty stories.
Take
(transitive) To avail oneself of.
He took that opportunity to leave France.
Catch
A humorous canon or round, so contrived that the singers catch up each other's words.
Take
(transitive) To practice; perform; execute; carry out; do.
Take a walk
Take action/steps/measures to fight drug abuse
Take a trip
Take aim
Take the tempo slowly
The kick is taken from where the foul occurred.
Pirès ran in to take the kick.
The throw-in is taken from the point where the ball crossed the touch-line.
Catch
A hidden drawback;
It sounds good but what's the catch?
Take
(transitive) To assume or perform (a form or role).
Catch
The quantity that was caught;
The catch was only 10 fish
Take
(transitive) To assume (a form).
Took the form of a duck
Took shape
A god taking the likeness of a bird
Catch
A person regarded as a good matrimonial prospect
Take
(transitive) To perform (a role).
Take the part of the villain/hero
Catch
Anything that is caught (especially if it is worth catching);
He shared his catch with the others
Take
(transitive) To assume and undertake the duties of (a job, an office, etc).
Take office
Take the throne
Catch
A break or check in the voice (usually a sign of strong emotion)
Take
(transitive) To bind oneself by.
He took the oath of office last night
Catch
A restraint that checks the motion of something;
He used a book as a stop to hold the door open
Take
(transitive) To move into.
The witness took the stand
The next team took the field
Catch
A fastener that fastens or locks a door or window
Take
(transitive) To go into, through, or along.
Go down two blocks and take the next left
Take the path of least resistance
Catch
A cooperative game in which a ball is passed back and forth;
He played catch with his son in the backyard
Take
(transitive) To have and use one's recourse to.
Take cover/shelter/refuge
Catch
The act of catching an object with the hands;
Mays made the catch with his back to the plate
He made a grab for the ball before it landed
Martin's snatch at the bridle failed and the horse raced away
The infielder's snap and throw was a single motion
Take
(transitive) To write down; to get in, or as if in, writing.
He took a mental inventory of his supplies.
She took careful notes.
Catch
The act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal);
The policeman on the beat got credit for the collar
Take
(transitive) To make (a photograph, film, or other reproduction of something).
She took a video of their encounter.
Could you take a picture of us?
The police took his fingerprints.
Catch
Discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state;
She caught her son eating candy
She was caught shoplifting
Take
To take a picture, photograph, etc of (a person, scene, etc).
The photographer will take you sitting down.
To take a group/scene
Catch
Perceive with the senses quickly, suddenly, or momentarily;
I caught the aroma of coffee
He caught the allusion in her glance
Ears open to catch every sound
The dog picked up the scent
Catch a glimpse
Take
(transitive) To obtain money from, especially by swindling.
Took me for ten grand
Catch
Reach with a blow or hit in a particular spot;
The rock caught her in the back of the head
The blow got him in the back
The punch caught him in the stomach
Take
To apply oneself to the study of.
As a child, she took ballet.
I plan to take math, physics, literature and flower arrangement this semester.
Catch
Take hold of so as to seize or restrain or stop the motion of;
Catch the ball!
Grab the elevator door!
Take
(transitive) To deal with.
Take matters as they arise
Catch
Succeed in catching or seizing, especially after a chase;
We finally got the suspect
Did you catch the thief?
Take
(transitive) To consider in a particular way, or to consider as an example.
I've had a lot of problems recently: take last Monday, for example. My car broke down on the way to work. Then ... etc.
Catch
To hook or entangle;
One foot caught in the stirrup
Take
To decline to swing at (a pitched ball); to refrain from hitting at, and allow to pass.
He'll probably take this one.
Catch
Attract and fix;
His look caught her
She caught his eye
Catch the attention of the waiter
Take
(transitive) To accept as an input to a relation.
Catch
Capture as if by hunting, snaring, or trapping;
I caught a rabbit in the trap toady
Take
To have to be used with (a certain grammatical form, etc).
This verb takes the dative; that verb takes the genitive.
Catch
Reach in time;
I have to catch a train at 7 o'clock
Take
To accept (zero or more arguments).
The function takes two arguments, an array of size n and an integer k.
Catch
Get or regain something necessary, usually quickly or briefly;
Catch some sleep
Catch one's breath
Take
(intransitive) To get or accept (something) into one's possession.
My husband and I have a dysfunctional marriage. He just takes and takes; he never gives.
Catch
Catch up with and possibly overtake;
The Rolls Royce caught us near the exit ramp
Take
(intransitive) To engage, take hold or have effect.
Catch
Be struck or affected by;
Catch fire
Catch the mood
Take
(Of ink; dye; etc.) To adhere or be absorbed properly.
The dye didn't take
Boiling pasta with a bit of the sauce in the water will help the sauce "take."
Catch
Check oneself during an action;
She managed to catch herself before telling her boss what was on her mind
Take
To begin to grow after being grafted or planted; to take root, take hold.
Not all grafts take
I started some tomato seeds last spring, but they didn't take.
Catch
Hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers;
We overheard the conversation at the next table
Take
To catch; to engage.
Catch
See or watch;
View a show on television
This program will be seen all over the world
View an exhibition
Catch a show on Broadway
See a movie
Take
To win acceptance, favor or favorable reception; to charm people.
Catch
Cause to become accidentally or suddenly caught, ensnared, or entangled;
I caught the hem of my dress in the brambles
Take
To have the intended effect.
Catch
Detect a blunder or misstep;
The reporter tripped up the senator
Take
To become; to be affected in a specified way.
They took ill within 3 hours.
She took sick with the flu.
Catch
Grasp with the mind or develop an undersatnding of;
Did you catch that allusion?
We caught something of his theory in the lecture
Don't catch your meaning
Did you get it?
She didn't get the joke
I just don't get him
Take
To be able to be accurately or beautifully photographed.
Catch
Contract;
Did you catch a cold?
Take
An intensifier.
Catch
Start burning;
The fire caught
Take
To deliver, bring, give (something) to (someone).
Catch
Perceive by hearing;
I didn't catch your name
She didn't get his name when they met the first time
Take
To give or deliver (a blow, to someone); to strike or hit.
He took me a blow on the head.
Catch
Suffer from the receipt of;
She will catch hell for this behavior!
Take
The or an act of taking.
Catch
Attract; cause to be enamored;
She captured all the men's hearts
Take
Something that is taken; a haul.
Catch
Apprehend and reproduce accurately;
She really caught the spirit of the place in her drawings
She got the mood just right in her photographs
Take
Money that is taken in, (legal or illegal) proceeds, income; (in particular) profits.
He wants half of the take if he helps with the job.
The mayor is on the take.
Catch
Take in and retain;
We have a big barrel to catch the rainwater
Take
The or a quantity of fish, game animals or pelts, etc which have been taken at one time; catch.
Catch
Spread or be communicated;
The fashion did not catch
Take
An interpretation or view, opinion or assessment; perspective; a statement expressing such a position.
What's your take on this issue, Fred?
Another unsolicited maths take: talking about quotients in terms of "equivalence classes" or cosets is really unnatural.
Catch
Be the catcher;
Who is catching?
Take
An approach, a (distinct) treatment.
A new take on a traditional dish
Catch
Become aware of;
He caught her staring out the window
Take
(film) A scene recorded (filmed) at one time, without an interruption or break; a recording of such a scene.
It's a take.
Act seven, scene three, take two.
Catch
Delay or hold up; prevent from proceeding on schedule or as planned;
I was caught in traffic and missed the meeting
Take
(music) A recording of a musical performance made during an uninterrupted single recording period.
Take
A visible (facial) response to something, especially something unexpected; a facial gesture in response to an event.
Did a double-take and then a triple-take
I did a take when I saw the new car in the driveway.
Take
(medicine) An instance of successful inoculation/vaccination.
Take
A catch of the ball (in cricket, especially one by the wicket-keeper).
Take
(printing) The quantity of copy given to a compositor at one time.
Take
Taken.
Take
In an active sense; To lay hold of; to seize with the hands, or otherwise; to grasp; to get into one's hold or possession; to procure; to seize and carry away; to convey.
Take
In a somewhat passive sense, to receive; to bear; to endure; to acknowledge; to accept.
Take
To gain or secure the interest or affection of; to captivate; to engage; to interest; to charm.
Neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Cleombroutus was so taken with this prospect, that he had no patience.
I know not why, but there was a something in those half-seen features, - a charm in the very shadow that hung over their imagined beauty, - which took me more than all the outshining loveliness of her companions.
Take
To accept, as something offered; to receive; not to refuse or reject; to admit.
Ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer.
Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore.
Take
To make a picture, photograph, or the like, of; as, to take a group or a scene.
Take
To make selection of; to choose; also, to turn to; to have recourse to; as, to take the road to the right.
Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
The violence of storming is the course which God is forced to take for the destroying . . . of sinners.
Take
To receive as something to be eaten or drunk; to partake of; to swallow; as, to take food or wine.
Take
To give or deliver (a blow to); to strike; hit; as, he took me in the face; he took me a blow on the head.
For now Troy's broad-wayed townHe shall take in.
The ancients took up experiments upon credit.
One of his relations took him up roundly.
Soon as the evening shades prevail,The moon takes up the wondrous tale.
Take
To employ; to use; to occupy; hence, to demand; to require; as, it takes so much cloth to make a coat; it takes five hours to get to Boston from New York by car.
This man always takes time . . . before he passes his judgments.
Take
Not to refuse or balk at; to undertake readily; to clear; as, to take a hedge or fence.
Take
To form a likeness of; to copy; to delineate; to picture; as, to take a picture of a person.
Beauty alone could beauty take so right.
Take
To bear without ill humor or resentment; to submit to; to tolerate; to endure; as, to take a joke; he will take an affront from no man.
Take
To draw; to deduce; to derive.
The firm belief of a future judgment is the most forcible motive to a good life, because taken from this consideration of the most lasting happiness and misery.
Take
To assume; to adopt; to acquire, as shape; to permit to one's self; to indulge or engage in; to yield to; to have or feel; to enjoy or experience, as rest, revenge, delight, shame; to form and adopt, as a resolution; - used in general senses, limited by a following complement, in many idiomatic phrases; as, to take a resolution; I take the liberty to say.
Take
To accept the word or offer of; to receive and accept; to bear; to submit to; to enter into agreement with; - used in general senses; as, to take a form or shape.
I take thee at thy word.
Yet thy moist clay is pliant to command; . . . Not take the mold.
Take
To lead; to conduct; as, to take a child to church.
Take
To carry; to convey; to deliver to another; to hand over; as, he took the book to the bindery; he took a dictionary with him.
He took me certain gold, I wot it well.
Take
To remove; to withdraw; to deduct; - with from; as, to take the breath from one; to take two from four.
Take
To take hold; to fix upon anything; to have the natural or intended effect; to accomplish a purpose; as, he was inoculated, but the virus did not take.
When flame taketh and openeth, it giveth a noise.
In impressions from mind to mind, the impression taketh, but is overcome . . . before it work any manifest effect.
Take
To please; to gain reception; to succeed.
Each wit may praise it for his own dear sake,And hint he writ it, if the thing should take.
Take
To move or direct the course; to resort; to betake one's self; to proceed; to go; - usually with to; as, the fox, being hard pressed, took to the hedge.
Take
To admit of being pictured, as in a photograph; as, his face does not take well.
Take
That which is taken, such as the quantity of fish captured at one haul or catch, or the amouont of money collected during one event; as, the box-office take.
Take
The quantity or copy given to a compositor at one time.
Take
The income arising from land or other property;
The average return was about 5%
Take
The act of photographing a scene or part of a scene without interruption
Take
Carry out;
Take action
Take steps
Take vengeance
Take
As of time or space;
It took three hours to get to work this morning
This event occupied a very short time
Take
Take somebody somewhere;
We lead him to our chief
Can you take me to the main entrance?
He conducted us to the palace
Take
Get into one's hands, take physically;
Take a cookie!
Can you take this bag, please
Take
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect;
His voice took on a sad tone
The story took a new turn
He adopted an air of superiority
She assumed strange manners
The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
Take
Interpret something in a certain way; convey a particular meaning or impression;
I read this address as a satire
How should I take this message?
You can't take credit for this!
Take
Take something or somebody with oneself somewhere;
Bring me the box from the other room
Take these letters to the boss
This brings me to the main point
Take
Take into one's possession;
We are taking an orphan from Romania
I'll take three salmon steaks
Take
Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent
Take
Pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives;
Take any one of these cards
Choose a good husband for your daughter
She selected a pair of shoes from among the dozen the salesgirl had shown her
Take
Travel or go by means of a certain kind of transportation, or a certain route;
He takes the bus to work
She takes Route 1 to Newark
Take
Receive willingly something given or offered;
The only girl who would have him was the miller's daughter
I won't have this dog in my house!
Please accept my present
Take
Assume, as of positions or roles;
She took the job as director of development
Take
Take into consideration for exemplifying purposes;
Take the case of China
Consider the following case
Take
Experience or feel or submit to;
Take a test
Take the plunge
Take
Make a film or photograph of something;
Take a scene
Shoot a movie
Take
Remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, taking off, etc. or remove something abstract;
Remove a threat
Remove a wrapper
Remove the dirty dishes from the table
Take the gun from your pocket
This machine withdraws heat from the environment
Take
Serve oneself to, or consume regularly;
Have another bowl of chicken soup!
I don't take sugar in my coffee
Take
Accept or undergo, often unwillingly;
We took a pay cut
Take
Make use of or accept for some purpose;
Take a risk
Take an opportunity
Take
Take by force;
Hitler took the Baltic Republics
The army took the fort on the hill
Take
Occupy or take on;
He assumes the lotus position
She took her seat on the stage
We took our seats in the orchestra
She took up her position behind the tree
Strike a pose
Take
Admit into a group or community;
Accept students for graduate study
We'll have to vote on whether or not to admit a new member
Take
Ascertain or determine by measuring, computing or take a reading from a dial;
Take a pulse
A reading was taken of the earth's tremors
Take
Be a student of a certain subject;
She is reading for the bar exam
Take
Take as an undesirable consequence of some event or state of affairs;
The accident claimed three lives
The hard work took its toll on her
Take
Head into a specified direction;
The escaped convict took to the hills
We made for the mountains
Take
Aim or direct at; as of blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment;
Please don't aim at your little brother!
He trained his gun on the burglar
Don't train your camera on the women
Take a swipe at one's opponent
Take
Be seized or affected in a specified way;
Take sick
Be taken drunk
Take
Have with oneself; have on one's person;
She always takes an umbrella
I always carry money
She packs a gun when she goes into the mountains
Take
Engage for service under a term of contract;
We took an apartment on a quiet street
Let's rent a car
Shall we take a guide in Rome?
Take
Receive or obtain by regular payment;
We take the Times every day
Take
Buy, select;
I'll take a pound of that sausage
Take
To get into a position of having, e.g., safety, comfort;
Take shelter from the storm
Take
Lay claim to; as of an idea;
She took credit for the whole idea
Take
Be designed to hold or take;
This surface will not take the dye
Take
Be capable of holding or containing;
This box won't take all the items
The flask holds one gallon
Take
Develop a habit;
He took to visiting bars
Take
Proceed along in a vehicle;
We drive the turnpike to work
Take
Obtain by winning;
Winner takes all
He took first prize
Take
Be stricken by an illness, fall victim to an illness;
He got AIDS
She came down with pneumonia
She took a chill
Common Curiosities
Can "catch" and "take" be used interchangeably?
While there may be contexts where their use overlaps, especially in informal speech, they generally have distinct meanings and are not directly interchangeable.
How do "catch on" and "take on" differ?
"Catch on" typically means to understand or become popular, while "take on" suggests undertaking responsibilities or confronting challenges, highlighting the distinct nature of each verb.
Does "catch" always involve physical objects?
No, "catch" can also refer to abstract concepts, like catching a break or catching a cold, where the physical act of catching is metaphorical.
Can "take" imply involuntary actions?
"Take" generally denotes a voluntary action, although it can be used in contexts where the subject has little choice, such as "taking a hit."
Is "catching feelings" an exception to the usual meaning of "catch"?
"Catching feelings" is an idiomatic expression where "catch" is used metaphorically to denote an involuntary start of emotional attachment, showcasing the verb's flexibility.
Can "take" be used in a passive sense?
Yes, "take" can be used passively, especially in expressions like "being taken for granted," where the subject is the recipient of an action or attitude.
How does context affect the choice between "catch" and "take"?
Context is crucial; "catch" is preferred in dynamic, immediate situations, while "take" is more versatile, suitable for a wide range of actions from the physical to the abstract.
Is it correct to say "take a catch" in sports?
Yes, in some sports terminology, "take a catch" is used, combining both verbs to specifically refer to the action of catching a ball, illustrating contextual overlap.
Can "catch" and "take" be used interchangeably in physical objects?
There may be contexts where their use overlaps, especially in informal speech, they generally have distinct meanings and are not directly interchangeable in physical act of catching.
Does "catch up" always imply a competition?
Not always; "catch up" can also refer to reducing a gap in understanding, progress, or social connection, not just competitive scenarios.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
