takeoff
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the moment when an airplane, bird, or rocket leaves the ground and starts to fly.
the act or process of an aircraft, rocket, or winged animal becoming airborne.
Simple“The passengers were told to fasten their seatbelts before takeoff.”
In context“Heavy fog delayed every scheduled takeoff at the international airport, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded in the departure lounge.”
PitfallThe plane made a takeoff. The plane took off.While 'takeoff' is a noun, English speakers usually use the phrasal verb 'take off' to describe the action itself.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a funny imitation of a person or a piece of writing that makes fun of them.
a satirical imitation or parody of a person, style, or work.
Simple“The comedian did a hilarious takeoff of the president's speech.”
In context“The student revue featured a biting takeoff of the university administration, mocking their recent policy changes with sharp wit.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the exact spot where a person or animal jumps off the ground.
the specific point or area from which a jumper or athlete leaves the ground.
Simple“The long jumper missed the takeoff board and his jump didn't count.”
In context“The coach spent the afternoon correcting the gymnast's takeoff, as a slight misalignment was ruining her mid-air rotation.”
Synonymslaunch point - 04 C2 Proficiency
a list of all the materials needed for a building project.
the process of quantifying the materials and labour required for a construction project from blueprints.
Simple“The contractor completed the takeoff to see how much wood the house needed.”
In context“An accurate material takeoff is essential during the bidding phase to ensure the project remains profitable despite fluctuating supply costs.”
Usageoften used in the phrase 'material takeoff'
Synonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
the act of taking printed paper off a printing press.
the removal of printed sheets from a press.
Simple“In the old factory, the takeoff was done by hand after each page was inked.”
In context“Historical accounts of the print shop describe the laborious takeoff process required before automated machinery was introduced.”
Deverbal from take off.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.