Definition of the word take in

The phrase "take in" is a transitive verb phrase that has been in use in the English language for hundreds of years. Its origin can be traced back to the Old English language, where it was written as "tecan," meaning "to accept, receive, or contain." Over time, the meaning of "take in" evolved to encompass a variety of different definitions, including "to admit or recognize," "to ingest or consume," "to comprehend or understand," and "to shelter or provide a place to stay." The contemporary meaning of "take in" in the context of guests or hospitality, as in "We took in some family for the weekend," is believed to have emerged during the 18th century as a result of the increased mobility and population shifts that occurred during the Industrial Revolution. Further variations of the phrase, such as "take in a movie" (meaning "to watch"), "take in the scenery" (meaning "to enjoy or appreciate"), and "take someone in" (meaning "to become emotionally attached to someone") all continue to use the core concept of "to admit or receive" that has been at the heart of this phrase since its inception.