take

verb (NEED)

/teɪk/ (took, taken)

Definition

B2 [T] to need: Parachuting takes a lot of nerve. Transitive verbs take a direct object. [+ -ing verb] His story took some believing (= was difficult to believe).Lacking thingsScarce, inadequate and not enoughEssential or necessary B1 to wear a particular size of clothes or shoes: What size shoes do you take? A2 [L only + noun] If something takes a particular time, that period is needed in order to complete it: The cooking process only takes ten minutes. [+ to infinitive] How long does this paint take to dry? [+ obj + noun ] It took us all day to drive home.Spending time and time passing not take long A2 to act or happen over a short period of time: I'm just going to the shops - I won't take long.Hurrying and doing things quicklyBusy and active take time › to need a long time: Broken bones always take time to mend.Lasting for a long time

(Definition of take verb (NEED) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)