Meaning 1 · most common
start an activity
to begin doing a new activity, hobby, or sport regularly.
How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing
Examples
I decided to take up yoga to help me relax after work.
A: You seem really energetic these days!
B: Thanks! I took up running last month.
Common mistake
Not: I took up to play the guitar.
Say: I took up playing the guitar. / I took up the guitar.
'Take up' + noun or + -ing, not a to-infinitive.
More on “start an activity”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip
Another example
In my free time, I recently took up painting because I wanted a creative outlet.
Tell it apart
She took up painting last year.
The sofa takes up half the room.
Goes with
- take up + hobby