Definition of Take Advantage Of

The phrase take advantage of means to utilize something or someone for one’s own benefit. This can be in a positive sense, such as making good use of an opportunity, or in a negative sense, such as exploiting someone unfairly.

Synonyms for Take Advantage Of

Strongest Matches

  • Exploit
  • Capitalize on
  • Leverage
  • Utilize
  • Maximize
  • Benefit from
  • Make use of
  • Harness

Strong Matches

  • Use
  • Employ
  • Cash in on
  • Profit from
  • Seize
  • Grasp
  • Tap into
  • Work with

Weak Matches

  • Adopt
  • Apply
  • Engage in
  • Resort to
  • Try out
  • Turn to
  • Implement
  • Take up

Example Sentences

  • Positive Usage:
    • “She took advantage of the scholarship program to further her education.”
    • “Make sure to take advantage of the discounts available during the holiday season.”
  • Negative Usage:
    • “He took advantage of his friend’s kindness by constantly borrowing money.”
    • “Scammers often take advantage of unsuspecting victims online.”

Contextual Usage

Business & Career

  • “Companies take advantage of new technology to improve efficiency.”
  • “Entrepreneurs should take advantage of social media marketing to reach more customers.”

Personal Development

  • “Students should take advantage of free online courses to expand their knowledge.”
  • “To succeed, you must take advantage of every learning opportunity.”

Social & Ethical Considerations

  • “It is unethical to take advantage of someone’s generosity for personal gain.”
  • “Laws are in place to prevent employers from taking advantage of workers.”

Related Words & Phrases

  • Make the most of – Similar to take advantage of but without a negative connotation.
  • Exploit – Has a strong negative implication, meaning to use someone or something unfairly.
  • Capitalize on – A business-oriented term referring to utilizing something to gain profit or advantage.
  • Leverage – Often used in financial or strategic contexts, meaning to use resources to achieve a goal.

Additional Relevant Information

The phrase take advantage of can have both positive and negative implications, depending on the context. In professional and personal settings, it is generally seen as a smart strategy when used ethically. However, when referring to people, it often implies manipulation or exploitation.

Disclaimer

This page provides a linguistic and contextual analysis of the phrase take advantage of. The synonyms listed vary in intensity and implication. Users should consider context carefully to avoid misinterpretation or unintended offense.