take up

Verb

• return to a previous location or condition
  • The painting resumed its old condition when we restored it
    

• take up as if with a sponge

• take in, also metaphorically
  • The sponge absorbs water well
    
  • She drew strength from the minister's words
    

• accept
  • The cloth takes up the liquid
    

• take out or up with or as if with a scoop
  • scoop the sugar out of the container
    

• take up a liquid or a gas either by adsorption or by absorption

• 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 up and practice as one's own

• begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job
  • Take up a position
    
  • start a new job
    

• take up time or space
  • take up the slack
    

• turn one's interest to
  • He took up herpetology at the age of fifty
    

• adopt
  • take up new ideas
    

• pursue or resume
  • take up a matter for consideration
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  resume , take in , sop up , suck in , absorb , suck , imbibe , soak up , suck up , draw , scoop , scoop out , lift out , scoop up , sorb , assume , take , strike , adopt , borrow , take over , start , latch on , fasten on , hook on , seize on