Do you ever stop to think about the things you take for granted in your life? Whether it’s the roof over your head, the food on your table, or the people around you, it’s easy to forget just how much we rely on these things. But what does it mean to “take something for granted,” and why is it important to recognize when we’re doing it?
Take for Granted Meaning
Take for Granted Meaning
What Does ‘Take for Granted’ Mean?
When you take something for granted, you fail to appreciate or value it as much as you should. This phrase is often used to describe situations where people become complacent about things that are important to them, such as relationships, health, or financial stability. Taking things for granted can lead to a lack of gratitude and a sense of entitlement, which can be detrimental to personal growth and happiness.
For example, you might take your partner for granted by assuming that they will always be there for you, without expressing appreciation for their presence in your life. Similarly, you might take your health for granted by neglecting to take care of yourself, or assuming that you will always be healthy without making any effort to maintain your well-being.
The phrase ‘take for granted’ can also be used in a broader sense, to describe situations where people assume that certain things are always going to be available to them, without considering the possibility that they might change or disappear. For instance, you might take your job for granted by assuming that you will always have a steady income, without considering the possibility of layoffs or economic downturns.
Here are some example sentences that illustrate the meaning of ‘take for granted’:
- “I never realized how much I took my parents for granted until I moved out and had to take care of myself.”
- “We often take our health for granted, until we get sick and realize how important it is to take care of ourselves.”
- “It’s easy to take our freedoms for granted, but we should remember that they were hard-won and should be cherished.”
Origins and Etymology
The origins of this expression can be traced back to the 16th century. At that time, the phrase “taking for granted” meant expressing blind faith in an ideology or religion. Over time, the meaning of the phrase evolved to its current usage, which implies accepting something without question or objection and often implies a lack of appreciation or gratitude.
The word “grant” is derived from the Old French word “graunter,” which means “to promise, guarantee, or assure.” In English, the word “grant” has various meanings, including “to bestow, to admit to be true, or to acknowledge.” The phrase “take for granted” is believed to have originated from the latter meaning of “grant,” specifically “to acknowledge.”
The irregular change of -c- to -g- in Old French is perhaps from the influence of the word “garantir,” which means “to guarantee.” This influence may have contributed to the evolution of the phrase “take for granted” to its current meaning.
Today, the phrase “take for granted” is commonly used in everyday conversations. For example, you might hear someone say, “I took my health for granted until I got sick,” or “I took my job security for granted until I was laid off.” In both cases, the speaker failed to appreciate the value of what they had until it was gone.
Usage in Everyday Language
You might hear or use the phrase “take for granted” in everyday conversations. It’s a common expression that means to underestimate the value of someone or something in your life. Here are a few examples of how you can use this phrase in your daily conversations:
- “Don’t take your health for granted. You should exercise regularly and eat healthy to maintain it.”
- “I realized I was taking my partner for granted when they left me. Now, I make sure to show them how much I appreciate them.”
- “You shouldn’t take your job for granted. It’s important to work hard and show your employer that you’re valuable to the company.”
In these examples, you can see how the phrase “take for granted” is used to remind someone not to underestimate the value of something or someone in their life. It’s a way to encourage gratitude and appreciation for the things that we might overlook or take for granted.
Another way to use this phrase is to describe a situation where someone is not appreciated or valued enough. For example:
- “I feel like my boss takes me for granted. I work hard and always meet my deadlines, but I never get any recognition for it.”
- “My friends always take me for granted. They only call me when they need something, but they never make an effort to hang out or catch up.”
In these examples, the phrase “take for granted” is used to express frustration or disappointment when someone is not being appreciated or valued enough.
Examples in Literature
When it comes to understanding the meaning of idioms like “take for granted,” it can be helpful to look at examples in literature. Here are a few examples of how this idiom has been used in famous works of fiction:
- In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bennet takes his wife for granted, failing to appreciate her and often making fun of her. This leads to tension in their marriage and causes problems for their daughters.
- In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the character of Daisy takes her wealth and status for granted, assuming that she will always be able to live a life of luxury without consequences. This ultimately leads to tragedy for herself and those around her.
- In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the character of Scout takes her father’s wisdom and guidance for granted, failing to fully appreciate his teachings until she is older and wiser.
These examples demonstrate how taking something for granted can have negative consequences. Whether it’s failing to appreciate a loved one, assuming that wealth and status will always be available, or not fully understanding the wisdom of a mentor, taking things for granted can lead to problems down the line.
So the next time you find yourself taking something for granted, take a moment to reflect on the potential consequences and try to appreciate what you have while you have it.
Psychological Perspective
From a psychological perspective, taking things for granted is related to the process of adaptation. When we are first exposed to new situations or environments, we tend to be more attentive and appreciative of everything around us. However, as we become more familiar with these situations, we begin to take things for granted and overlook the positive aspects of our surroundings.
One theory that explains this phenomenon is the hedonic adaptation theory. According to this theory, people have a baseline level of happiness, and when positive events occur, they experience a temporary increase in happiness. However, over time, they adapt to these positive events and return to their baseline level of happiness. This can lead to taking things for granted, as people begin to overlook the positive aspects of their lives that once brought them happiness.
Another psychological perspective on taking things for granted is the gratitude perspective. Gratitude is the act of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, and it has been found to have numerous benefits for mental health and well-being. When people practice gratitude, they are less likely to take things for granted and more likely to focus on the positive aspects of their lives.
In addition, the entitlement perspective can also play a role in taking things for granted. Entitlement is the belief that one deserves special treatment or recognition without having to earn it. When people have a sense of entitlement, they may take things for granted and feel entitled to positive experiences without appreciating them.
Implications in Relationships
Being taken for granted in a relationship can have serious implications. It can lead to feelings of neglect, resentment, and ultimately, the breakdown of the relationship.
One of the most significant implications of being taken for granted is the erosion of trust. When you feel like your partner doesn’t appreciate you or take your efforts for granted, it can be challenging to trust them fully. Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and without it, the relationship is likely to crumble.
Another implication of being taken for granted is a lack of emotional connection. When you feel like your partner doesn’t appreciate you, it can be challenging to feel emotionally connected to them. Emotional connection is crucial in any relationship, and without it, the relationship can feel empty and unfulfilling.
Being taken for granted can also lead to a lack of effort in the relationship. When you feel like your partner doesn’t appreciate you, it can be challenging to put effort into the relationship. This lack of effort can lead to a stagnant relationship that doesn’t grow or evolve.
Finally, being taken for granted can lead to feelings of resentment. When you feel like your partner doesn’t appreciate you, it’s easy to feel resentful towards them. This resentment can build up over time and ultimately lead to the breakdown of the relationship.
Take for Granted in Different Cultures
In different cultures, the concept of taking things for granted can have different connotations and implications. Here are a few examples:
- In some Asian cultures, it is considered impolite or rude to express gratitude or appreciation openly. Therefore, people may not say “thank you” or show appreciation for things they receive, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they take them for granted. On the other hand, if someone does express gratitude, it may be seen as a sign of weakness or indebtedness.
- In some African cultures, there is a strong emphasis on community and interdependence. People may take care of each other and share resources without expecting anything in return. Therefore, it may be common to take things for granted, assuming that others will always be there to support you.
- In some Western cultures, there is a strong emphasis on individualism and self-reliance. People may take pride in being able to achieve things on their own and may not want to acknowledge or rely on others. Therefore, taking things for granted may be seen as a sign of self-sufficiency or independence.
Regardless of cultural differences, taking things for granted can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and unfulfilled expectations. It is important to communicate openly and appreciate the value of what we have, whether it is material possessions, relationships, or opportunities.
For example, instead of assuming that your partner will always be there for you, you can express your gratitude and show your love and support. Instead of taking your job for granted, you can strive to improve your skills and contribute more to your workplace. Instead of assuming that your health will always be good, you can take care of yourself and appreciate the moments of wellness.
Common Misconceptions
When it comes to the phrase “take for granted,” there are some common misconceptions that people have. Here are a few of them:
Misconception 1: It Always Has a Negative Connotation
One common misconception about “take for granted” is that it always has a negative connotation. While it’s true that the phrase often implies a lack of appreciation or gratitude, it doesn’t always have to be negative. For example, you might say “I take it for granted that the sun will rise tomorrow,” which doesn’t have a negative connotation at all.
Misconception 2: It Means You Don’t Appreciate Something
Another common misconception is that if you take something for granted, it means you don’t appreciate it. While this can certainly be the case, it’s not always true. For example, you might take your best friend for granted, but that doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate them. It just means that you’ve become so used to having them in your life that you don’t always show your appreciation.
Misconception 3: It Only Applies to Things, Not People
Finally, some people believe that “take for granted” only applies to things, not people. However, this isn’t true either. You can definitely take people for granted, as in the example above with your best friend. You might also take your parents, your partner, or your coworkers for granted without even realizing it.
Overcoming the Habit of Taking Things for Granted
Do you sometimes find yourself taking things for granted without even realizing it? It’s a common habit that can lead to a lack of appreciation and gratitude in your life. But don’t worry, there are ways to overcome this habit and start living a more fulfilling life.
One way to overcome the habit of taking things for granted is to practice mindfulness. By being present in the moment and fully aware of your surroundings, you can start to appreciate the little things in life that you may have overlooked before. For example, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature around you, or the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Another way to overcome this habit is to practice gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for. This can be as simple as writing down three things you are thankful for each day in a journal. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can start to shift your mindset away from taking things for granted.
It’s also important to be mindful of how you speak and act towards others. Taking people for granted can lead to strained relationships and a lack of connection with others. Make an effort to show appreciation for the people in your life, whether it’s through a kind word or a small gesture of kindness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of taking things for granted?
Taking things for granted means assuming that they will always be available or present without appreciating their value. For example, you might take your health for granted until you get sick, or take your job for granted until you lose it. Other examples could include taking your family or friends for granted, or taking your home or possessions for granted.
What does it mean when someone says ‘don’t take it for granted’?
When someone says “don’t take it for granted,” they are reminding you to appreciate or value something that you might otherwise overlook or ignore. For example, if your partner does something nice for you, they might say “don’t take it for granted” to remind you to express gratitude and not take their kindness for granted.
What is the synonym for ‘take for granted’?
A synonym for “take for granted” is “assume.” When you assume something, you are taking it for granted without questioning or verifying its validity. Other synonyms could include “expect,” “presume,” or “believe without evidence.”
What are some quotes about being taken for granted?
Some quotes about being taken for granted include:
- “Sometimes, when we take things for granted, those things eventually get taken away.” – Unknown
- “The worst feeling is being taken for granted by the person you thought would never do that to you.” – Unknown
- “Being taken for granted can be a compliment. It means that you’ve become a comfortable, trusted element in another person’s life.” – Joyce Brothers
What is the origin of the phrase ‘take for granted’?
The origin of the phrase “take for granted” is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 1600s. It likely evolved from the idea of “granting” something, or giving it freely, without questioning or verifying its value or importance.
How can you tell if someone is taking you for granted?
If someone is taking you for granted, they might not express appreciation or gratitude for things you do for them, or they might not make an effort to reciprocate your kindness or support. They might also assume that you will always be available or willing to help them without considering your own needs or feelings.
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