Taking is used when an action is ongoing or in progress, while taken is used when an action has already been completed or when forming perfect tenses and passive constructions. Meaning of taking in English taking present participle of take (Definition of taking from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press) Understanding the difference between taken and taking is key to mastering English. Taken is the past participle of “take.” We use it when talking about something that has already happened, often with “have” or “has.” For example, “She has taken the book.” Define taking. taking synonyms, taking pronunciation, taking translation, English dictionary definition of taking. adj. 1. Capturing interest; fetching: a taking smile. Find 83 different ways to say TAKING, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com. Definitions of taking noun the act of someone who picks up or takes something “clothing could be had for the taking ” synonyms: pickings see more TAKING definition: the act of a person or thing that takes. See examples of taking used in a sentence. Many of our lives are centered on taking care of the needs of everyone around us aside from ourselves. It wanders about a third of the time while a person is reading, talking with other people, or taking care of children. Keep yourself busy by taking the time to figure out what it is that you love. “Taken” and “taking” come from the same verb, but they serve very different grammar roles. The key difference lies in tense, function, and sentence structure. Understanding how the verb “take” changes form helps you choose the correct word confidently in everyday English, formal writing, and exams. take, seize, grasp, clutch, snatch, grab mean to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand. take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.