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Glite Dictionary
to take a moment

to take a moment

98 3.4
Stop for a short time to think, rest or remember something
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : tomarse un momento
  • - We need to take a moment to thank our guests who are not artists, but choose to participate through their generous donations.
  • take a moment to think
  • take a moment to consider

And I would just like to take a moment to reflect.

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Examples

  • Students, I invite you to take a moment to look around.

  • OK, well, just take a moment to take stock of how you're feeling.

  • So if you can, take a moment and cast your vote.

  • We just all take a moment to appreciate that.

  • And let us just take a moment to enjoy this rain.

  • Next question, please take a moment to read it.

  • And I would just like to take a moment to reflect.

    Sara Dietschy

  • Pause the video here and take a moment to think about it.

  • Please take a moment to locate the nearest exit.

    Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)

  • Before we start the meeting, please take a moment to review the agenda.

Synonyms

to take a break
vsto take a moment
496 1.4

To stop doing something for a short time to rest or relax before continuing

is usually shorter and mainly for quick thought or noticing
to pause
vsto take a moment
346 1.0

Stop for a short time before continuing

is more about a quick thoughtful or acknowledging break
to take five
vsto take a moment
  • Informal
28 4.2

Have a short break for about five minutes

is less focused on a fixed short length and more on quick thought
to breathe
vsto take a moment
  • Informal
25 2.6

To take a short break to rest

is usually briefer and can be for quick thinking or acknowledgement
to take time out
vsto take a moment
24 3.2

Stop what you are doing to rest or do something different for a short time

is usually briefer and often for a quick thought or nod of notice
to take a breather
vsto take a moment
  • Informal
14 3.5

To stop and rest for a short time

is often briefer and can be used to think or notice things
to gather one's thoughts
vsto take a moment
6 4.4

Pause and think clearly before you speak or decide

is broader, covering rest or simple acknowledgement as well as thinking
to hit pause
vsto take a moment
  • Informal
2 4.3

Temporarily stop an activity to rest or think

is generally briefer and often for a quick thought or thanks
to take ten
vsto take a moment
1 5.1

A short ten-minute break during work or rehearsal

is typically shorter and used for quick thinking or brief rest
to set a spell
vsto take a moment
  • Archaic
9.4

To sit and rest for a short time and talk

is usually quicker and more about a brief thought or acknowledgement

How Long

stop
310 1.0
to take a break
496 1.4
to take a moment
98 3.4
to hesitate
318 2.5

Surface Forms

take a moment infinitive

Morphology

take + a + moment

The meaning 'to pause briefly' is directly derivable from combining 'take' (to use or spend) with 'moment' (a very short interval): it literally means to take a short amount of time. This is a common, compositional V NP construction found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Take a moment comes from the simple image of take and moment, as if you can pick up a small piece of time and hold it for a short while. That's why to take a moment means 'to pause briefly' to think, rest, or acknowledge someone.