Given vs. Taken: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Given" refers to something provided or granted, while "Taken" means something has been acquired or accepted by someone.
Key Differences
"Given" and "Taken" are two verbs that seem closely related due to their participatory nature, but they highlight two sides of a transaction. "Given" generally signifies the act of bestowing, providing, or allowing. When something is given, it is willingly handed over without the expectation of return. In its essence, "Given" focuses on the source or donor, emphasizing the act of generosity or provision.
On the contrary, "Taken" underscores the receiver's side of a transaction. When something is taken, it is accepted, acquired, or even seized. This term might not always imply willingness on the part of the giver. Instead, "Taken" shifts the focus to the person or entity acquiring or receiving, emphasizing acceptance or possession.
Moreover, while "Given" and "Taken" primarily describe actions, they can also serve other functions in a sentence. For instance, "Given" can be a preposition, meaning considering or taking into account (e.g., "Given the circumstances, we must act"). Meanwhile, "Taken" as an adjective implies being deeply affected by something, often emotionally (e.g., "She was taken by the story").
In summary, while both "Given" and "Taken" describe aspects of transfer or exchange, they spotlight different facets. "Given" concentrates on the act of providing, while "Taken" zeroes in on the act of receiving or acquiring.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Provided or granted
Acquired or accepted
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Emphasis
On the source or donor
On the receiver or acquirer
Common Usage
Often used in the context of gifts or offerings
Commonly used in terms of acceptance or possession
Alternative Meaning
Can mean considering or taking into account
Can mean being deeply affected or emotionally captivated
Grammatical Function
Can serve as a verb or preposition
Typically serves as a verb or adjective
Given and Taken Definitions
Given
Naturally having a certain characteristic.
She's a given talent in singing.
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Taken
Acquired or accepted.
The book was taken from the shelf.
Given
Specified or particular.
Meet me at the given address.
Taken
Understood in a specified way.
His actions were taken as a sign of guilt.
Given
Used to introduce a factor or consideration in a discussion.
Given the weather, the event was postponed.
Taken
To have captured or seized.
The city was taken after a long siege.
Given
Provided or bestowed.
A medal was given for bravery.
Taken
Deeply affected or captivated.
She was taken by the beauty of the scene.
Given
Past participle of give.
Taken
Engaged or occupied.
The seat was already taken.
Given
Specified; fixed
We will meet at a given time and location.
Taken
Past participle of take.
Given
Granted as a supposition; acknowledged or assumed
Given the condition of the engine, it is a wonder that it even starts.
Taken
Infatuated; fond of or attracted to.
He was very taken with the girl, I hear.
Given
Having a tendency; inclined
My neighbor is given to lavish spending.
Taken
(informal) In a serious romantic relationship.
I can't ask him out, she's taken.
Given
Bestowed as a gift; presented.
Taken
Past participle of take
Given
Something assumed or taken for granted
"It's a given that the writer of short stories will be keeping his day job" (Donald E. Westlake).
Taken
Understood in a certain way; made sense of;
A word taken literally
A smile taken as consent
An open door interpreted as an invitation
Given
Inflection of give
Taken
Having possession gained especially by force or effort
Given
Considering; taking into account.
Given the current situation, I don't think that's possible.
Taken
Be affected with an indisposition;
The child was taken ill
Couldn't tell when he would be taken drunk
Given
A condition that is assumed to be true without further evaluation.
When evaluating this math problem, don't forget to read the givens.
Given
Already arranged. en
Given
Currently discussed. en
Given
Particular, specific.
No more than three people can be in that space at a given time.
Given
Assumed as fact or hypothesis.
Given that we will get the resources, what do we want to achieve?
Given
(with to) Prone, disposed.
He was given to taking a couple of glasses of port at his club.
Given
Granted; assumed; supposed to be known; set forth as a known quantity, relation, or premise.
Given
Stated; fixed; as, in a given time.
Given
An assumption that is taken for granted
Given
Specified in advance;
A given number
We will meet at a given time and location
Given
Acknowledged as a supposition;
Given the engine's condition, it is a wonder that it started
Given
Having possession delivered or transferred without compensation
Given
(usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward;
He is apt to ignore matters he considers unimportant
I am not minded to answer any questions
Given
Granted as a premise.
Given that he was late, he couldn't complain.
FAQs
Do "Given" and "Taken" always imply willingness in a transaction?
"Given" usually implies willingness, while "Taken" might not always.
Can "Given" also be a preposition?
Yes, "Given" can mean considering or taking into account.
What does it mean if someone is "taken" by something?
It means they are deeply affected or captivated by it.
Is "Taken" always about physical items?
No, it can refer to emotions, ideas, or perceptions.
Does "Taken" always indicate a successful action?
Not always. It indicates acquisition, which can be passive or active.
What's the opposite of "Taken"?
In some contexts, "Given" can be the opposite, but it depends on the usage.
Can "Given" describe a specific detail?
Yes, like in "a given fact" or "a given detail."
Can "Given" refer to innate qualities?
Yes, it can mean naturally having a certain characteristic.
Is "Taken" only a past participle of "Take"?
Primarily, but it can also be an adjective, like in "I'm taken by the idea."
Can "Given" be used mathematically?
Yes, it's used to indicate known values or conditions.
Which term emphasizes the source in a transaction?
"Given" emphasizes the source or provider.
Can "Given" be used in the context of assumptions?
Yes, like in "Given that it's raining, we'll stay indoors."
Which term highlights the receiver's perspective?
"Taken" emphasizes the receiver or acquirer.
If something is "Taken for granted," what does it mean?
It means it's undervalued or assumed to always be there without appreciation.
Can "Given" mean "considering"?
Yes, like in "Given his age, he's quite active."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
