Reading Theme:
Take Care: Meaning, Examples, and How to Use It (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：goodbye with care (take care)
take care
/teɪk kɛr/
phr v
Used to say goodbye, showing concern and wishing someone to stay safe and well.
goodbye with care
➕
/ɡʊdˈbaɪ wɪð kɛr/
phr v
A friendly phrase used when parting, expressing concern for the other person's well-being and safety.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
'Take' (to grasp) + 'care' (concern). Combined, it means to be mindful or protective.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine taking a piece of care like a blanket to wrap around someone.
📖 Example
As she left for her trip, her mom hugged her and said, "Take care and enjoy the journey!"
As she left for her trip, her mom hugged her and said, "Take care and enjoy the journey!"
🔗 Collocations
take care – said as a farewell
take care of yourself – look after your own health
take care now – a warm goodbye
🔄 Synonyms
farewell (interj) – a goodbye expression
so long (interj) – an informal goodbye
see you later (phr) – an expression of parting
🚫 Antonyms
greeting (n) – a word or gesture of welcome, opposite of farewell
📖 Cultural Story
As a farewell phrase, 'Take care' became widespread in the 20th century, especially in American English, replacing more formal goodbyes with a warm, caring tone.
Meaning 2：look after (take care)
take care
/teɪk kɛr/
phr v
To look after or protect someone or something, keeping them safe, healthy, or in good condition.
look after
➕
/lʊk ˈæftər/
phr v
To be responsible for the well-being, safety, or maintenance of someone or something.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He always takes care of his plants by watering them regularly and giving them sunlight.
He always takes care of his plants by watering them regularly and giving them sunlight.
🔗 Collocations
take care of the children – look after the children
take care of business – handle necessary tasks
take care of your health – maintain your health
🔄 Synonyms
look after (phr v) – to take responsibility for someone or something
tend to (phr v) – to care for and pay attention to
watch over (phr v) – to protect and supervise
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
caretaker (n) – a person who takes care of a building or property
caregiver (n) – a person who provides care for someone who cannot care for themselves
caregiving (n) – the act of providing care
Wordbook
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