1346 Take up (a hobby/space)

Explanation

To begin or start doing something new, especially a hobby, sport, or course of study.
To occupy space, time, or attention.

Origin

The 'start a hobby' sense emerged around the 17th century. Take implies adopting or accepting something. Up can signify beginning or undertaking an activity (similar to start up).
The 'occupy space/time' sense also dates back centuries. Take means to occupy or use. Up suggests filling completely (like fill up).

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

(Start a hobby): Get hooked on (Become addicted to/very interested in)
(Occupy space): Hog (To take more than a fair share of space/resources)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

(Occupy time/effort, expressing burden): This damn project takes up all my fucking time.

Milder/Standard:

(Start a hobby): Commence (Formal)
(Occupy space/time): Require, Utilize

Situational Appropriateness

Both meanings ('start hobby', 'occupy space/time') are common in informal and semi-formal contexts.
Occupy or require might be preferred for space/time in very formal settings.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The main potential confusion is between the two primary meanings. Context usually makes it clear whether someone is starting an activity or if something is occupying space/time/attention. Listen for the object (take up a hobby vs. take up room).

Examples

(Start a hobby): I decided to take up painting in my free time.
(Start a hobby): He took up golf after retiring.
(Occupy space): This new sofa takes up too much room.
(Occupy time): My new project takes up most of my evenings.
(Accept an offer/challenge): I'll take you up on that offer. (Slightly different meaning variation)

Dialogue

Dialogue 1 (Hobby):

Ben: I've been feeling bored lately.

Lisa: You should take up a new hobby! Like maybe pottery?

Ben: Pottery? Hmm, I don't know... Maybe I'll take up hiking instead.

Lisa: That's a great idea! Lots of nice trails around here.

Dialogue 2 (Space):

Alex: Wow, this new bookshelf is massive.

Sam: I know, right? It takes up way more space than I expected.

Alex: Maybe if you move it to the other wall?

Sam: Yeah, I might have to try that. It really takes up too much room here.

Response Patterns

(To starting a hobby): Oh, that's interesting!, How are you finding it?, That sounds fun!, Good for you!
(To occupying space/time): Yeah, it looks quite big., I know, it's very time-consuming., Maybe you can rearrange things?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says they've taken up a hobby:

Ask why they chose it (What made you decide to take up [hobby]?).
Ask about their experience (Are you enjoying it?, Is it difficult?).
Share related experiences or encouragement.

After commenting that something takes up space/time:

Discuss solutions (rearranging, managing time better).
Agree or disagree about the extent of the occupation.

Conversation Starter

Yes, asking Have you taken up any new hobbies lately? or talking about activities that take up time can start conversations.

Intonation

Stress falls on take, up, and the hobby or the thing occupying space/time.
She decided to TAKE UP YOGA.
This desk TAKES UP half the ROOM.
Tone can be enthusiastic (about a hobby) or complaining (about occupied space/time).

Generation Differences

Universally used and understood. Get into might be slightly more common among younger people for starting hobbies.

Regional Variations

Standard and common in all major English-speaking regions.

Take after (a parent)

🎲 Turn down (an offer/volume)