Take for Granted: What does “Take for Granted” Mean?

Take for Granted! Figurative language that is used in a popular phrase to express thoughts or feelings are known as idioms. In today’s every day use of language, many idioms are used on a daily basis. The idiom “take for granted” is one of the most popular idioms. Here you will find the meaning of the phrase, the origin of the phrase, examples of how it is used in every conversation/statements and other ways to convey the same meaning.

Take for Granted

Take for Granted Meaning

The meaning of the idiomatic saying “take for granted” is the inherent expectancy that someone is always going to be there for you despite you not giving them thanks for being there for you when needed. It is not giving the proper credit to a person when credit is due. The phrase can also be used to describe the way someone feels about a possession as well, such as when owning a car or house they don’t show appreciation for having.

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.

“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.

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 | Picture

Take for Granted

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