take time

idiom

1
: to need or require time to happen or be done
You have to be patient. Things like this take time.
It may take some time for the medication to wear off.
The meeting won't take too much time.
This job is easy and will take no time at all.
2
or take the time : to use an amount of time in order to do something important
They never took the time to get to know her.
I took some time to think about it, and my answer is still "no."

Examples of take time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Initial investment costs can be high, and ROI may take time. Tammy Hawes, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Work is being done to reset the brand and improve product and marketing, which the company acknowledged will take time. David Moin, Footwear News, 29 May 2025 Mines can take years to get operating approval, while processing plants also take time and expertise to establish. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 May 2025 There is a wide range of options available, so take time to find one that matches their interests. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for take time

Cite this Entry

“Take time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20time. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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