Took away from crossword clue – Embark on a captivating journey as we delve into the intriguing world of “took away from,” a phrase that holds multiple meanings and nuances. From its literal interpretation to its figurative usage, this exploration promises to unravel the complexities and richness of this crossword clue.
Delving deeper, we will uncover the synonyms and related phrases that complement “took away from,” examining the subtle differences in their usage. We will also explore the grammatical intricacies of this verb phrase, shedding light on its subject-verb agreement and tense variations.
Definitions and Meanings
The phrase “took away from” carries various meanings and interpretations depending on the context in which it is used. In general, it signifies a subtraction or removal of something from a larger entity or experience.
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Literal Meaning
In its literal sense, “took away from” refers to the physical removal or subtraction of an object or substance from a place or person. For instance, if someone “took away the book from the table,” it implies that the book was physically removed from the surface of the table.
Figurative Meaning
Beyond its literal interpretation, “took away from” also holds figurative meanings. It can indicate a reduction or diminishing of an abstract quality or experience. For example, if someone says that “the loud music took away from their enjoyment of the concert,” it suggests that the music’s volume interfered with their overall enjoyment.
Contextual Usage
The specific meaning of “took away from” is often determined by the context in which it is used. In legal contexts, it may refer to the deprivation of rights or property, while in psychological contexts, it could indicate the suppression of thoughts or emotions.
Synonyms and Related Phrases
The phrase “took away from” has several synonyms and related phrases that convey similar meanings. Understanding these alternatives can help you expand your vocabulary and use more precise language in your writing and speaking.
Here are some common synonyms and related phrases for “took away from”:
- Subtracted from: This phrase emphasizes the mathematical operation of removing a quantity from a larger amount.
- Deducted from: This phrase is often used in financial contexts to describe the removal of an amount from a total.
- Removed from: This phrase is more general and can be used in various contexts to describe the act of taking something away.
- Deprived of: This phrase suggests that something essential or valuable has been taken away, often resulting in a negative impact.
- Taken away: This phrase is a direct synonym for “took away from” and is used in various contexts.
Grammatical Usage
The verb phrase “took away from” functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to complete its meaning. It describes the action of removing or subtracting something from a person, place, or thing.
The subject-verb agreement for “took away from” follows the standard rules of English grammar. The verb “took” agrees with the number and person of the subject. For example, in the sentence “He took away from me,” the subject is “He,” a third-person singular pronoun, so the verb is “took.”
In the sentence “They took away from us,” the subject is “They,” a third-person plural pronoun, so the verb is “took.”
The tense usage of “took away from” can vary depending on the context. The simple past tense, “took away,” is used to describe an action that happened and completed in the past. For example, “He took away from me yesterday.”
The present perfect tense, “has taken away,” is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues to the present. For example, “He has taken away from me for years.”
Subject-Verb Agreement, Took away from crossword clue
- Singular subject: The verb takes the singular form (e.g., “He took away from me”).
- Plural subject: The verb takes the plural form (e.g., “They took away from us”).
Tense Usage
- Simple past: Describes an action completed in the past (e.g., “He took away from me yesterday”).
- Present perfect: Describes an action that began in the past and continues to the present (e.g., “He has taken away from me for years”).
Figures of Speech
The phrase “took away from” can be interpreted as a figure of speech, specifically a metaphor or an idiom.
Metaphor
When used as a metaphor, “took away from” implies that something has diminished or reduced the value or impact of something else. It suggests that one thing has negatively affected or detracted from the quality or significance of another.
Idiom
As an idiom, “took away from” means to lessen or detract from the enjoyment, value, or significance of something. It conveys the idea that something has interfered with or spoiled the positive experience or impression of something else.
Cultural and Historical Context
The phrase “took away from” has been used in the English language for centuries, with its roots in the concept of subtraction or removal. Historically, the phrase has been employed in various contexts, reflecting societal and cultural influences.
Literary Usage
In literature, “took away from” has often been used to describe the act of diminishing or detracting from something. For instance, in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the character of Polonius advises his son, “Beware of entrance to a quarrel, but being in, bear’t that the opposed may beware of thee.
Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.” In this context, “take each man’s censure” suggests listening to others’ opinions without necessarily agreeing with them, while “reserve thy judgment” implies maintaining one’s own independent thoughts.
Legal Context
Within the legal sphere, “took away from” has been used to refer to the act of depriving someone of their property or rights. In legal documents and contracts, the phrase may appear in clauses related to theft, trespass, or breach of contract.
For example, a clause stating “The landlord shall not take away from the tenant the right to quiet enjoyment of the premises” establishes the tenant’s right to occupy the property without undue interference.
Everyday Usage
In everyday speech, “took away from” is commonly used to express the idea of reducing or diminishing something. For instance, one might say “The noise from the construction site took away from my enjoyment of the park” to indicate that the noise detracted from the otherwise pleasant experience.
FAQ Overview: Took Away From Crossword Clue
What is the literal meaning of “took away from”?
To physically or metaphorically remove something, resulting in a loss or decrease.
How is “took away from” used figuratively?
To diminish or detract from something’s value, significance, or impact.
What is a synonym for “took away from”?
Subtracted, reduced, removed
