take in
B1Neutral (common in both informal and formal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To receive, bring, or accept something or someone inside.
A multi-purpose phrasal verb with many meanings, including: to allow someone to stay in your home; to deceive someone; to understand information; to make clothing smaller; to see or visit a place; to include something; to do work at home.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning is entirely dependent on context and the object of the verb. It is highly polysemous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Take in' is used with the same core meanings. Slight potential for variation in collocational frequency (e.g., 'take in a show/movie' is more common in AmE).
Connotations
Similar connotations across both variants. The 'deceive' sense is slightly more informal.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties.