“Take for Granted” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 7, 2024 by Liam Daniel

This reference explains the idiom “take for granted,” delving into its meaning, origin, and common usage. You will discover examples of how people use it in everyday conversations and learn alternative phrases that convey the same idea. Through this reference, you can better understand how to properly use this idiom to reinforce your learning.

Take for Granted Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “take for granted” means to fail to appreciate someone or something, often because you assume it will always be available or because its importance is overlooked. It can also refer to accepting something as true without questioning or recognizing its value.
Take for Granted
Take for Granted – Created by 7ESL

“Take for Granted” Meaning

The phrase “take for granted” means to underestimate the value or importance of something or someone, often because it is perceived as a given or assumed to always be present. It implies a lack of appreciation or acknowledgment for what one has, typically resulting in a failure to recognize its significance until it is lost or unavailable.

Examples:

  • “He took her support for granted and didn’t realize how much she did for him until she was gone.”
  • “Many people take clean water for granted, not understanding how vital it is for their health.”

Origin of This Idiom

The phrase dates back all the way the to the 13th century to the use of the word “graunt.” This word meant “to permit something or allow something.” The word was further defined as “recognizing something to be true.” The phrase has been used from the 1600s up until present day in order to describe circumstances that are thought to be true, but those involved are unable to provide proof that it is true.

Usage of “Take for Granted”

  • In a personal relationship:

“Don’t take your friends for granted; they’re always there for you when you need them.”

  • Referring to daily comforts:

“We often take clean water for granted, but it’s a luxury in many parts of the world.”

  • In a work context:

“He took his job for granted and didn’t realize how valuable it was until he lost it.”

  • Talking about support:

“She feels like her efforts are taken for granted by her coworkers.”

Related Terms to “Take for Granted”

  • Underappreciate – to not recognize the full worth or value of something.
  • Assume – to take something as true without questioning or valuing it.
  • Overlook – to fail to notice or consider something important.
  • Neglect – to fail to care for or pay attention to something.
  • Disregard – to treat something as unimportant or insignificant.
  • Miss out on – to fail to appreciate or take advantage of something valuable.
  • Be complacent – to be self-satisfied and unaware of potential dangers or deficiencies.
  • Take lightly – to regard something as less serious or important than it is.
  • Not value – to fail to recognize the importance or significance of something.
  • Bask in familiarity – to become so accustomed to something that its value is overlooked.

Other Ways to Say “Take for Granted”

There are many other ways that “take for granted” can be conveyed using less figurative language, some of which include: take advantage of and you are so ungrateful.

“Take for Granted” synonyms list:

  • Take it for granted
  • Take advantage of
  • Naturally
  • You are so ungrateful
  • As a matter of course
  • Be taken for granted
  • Of course
  • Be a matter of course
  • Underestimate

“Take for Granted” Examples

Examples in Statements

A news reporter sharing a story on television.

  • “The gentleman who helped rescue the children from the fire feels as if he has been taken for granted since his efforts have gone unrecognized”.

A quarterback talking about his wide receiver.

  • “I definitely don’t take him for granted. He is a great player and I am thankful he is there to catch everything I throw at him.”

Examples in Conversation

A conversation between two best friends.

  • Friend 1: How is your mom doing since her fall?
  • Friend 2: Ugh, don’t ask. She has been making do all the chores around the house.
  • Friend 1: Well, you shouldn’t take her for granted. You will miss the day she isn’t around to hound you anymore about doing chores.

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: What’s wrong Susan?
  • Co-worker 2: I feel like our boss takes me for granted. I work just as hard as everyone else does and get paid less than everyone for the same efforts.

More useful examples:

  • Don’t take for granted the passions that she has for you.
  • He seemed to take for granted that she would share his views on the derelicts.
  • Never for a moment take for granted that love would stay there for ever.
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