take issue with

Ret's Word of the Day
A happy Mosotho man in a library, wearing a Basotho blanket and holding a book in his hand.
/teɪk ˈɪʃuː wɪð/
[ tayk ISH-oo with ]
🔊 Hear it on YouGlish

Definition

The meaning: Take issue with is an idiomatic expression used to show disagreement with something or someone. It often introduces a polite or firm objection in a discussion.

La signification: L'expression anglaise take issue with, qui signifie "ne pas être d'accord avec", peut se traduire en français par "contester", "exprimer une objection", ou "être en désaccord". Elle est utilisée pour marquer une opposition à une idée ou à une déclaration.

Note: Cette expression peut être employée dans des contextes formels ou informels, souvent pour introduire un désaccord de façon diplomatique.

Word Analysis

French synonyms
» Être en désaccord
» Contester
» Remettre en question
» S'opposer à
» Ne pas approuver

A: Je prends le contre-pied de ce que tu dis, car les données montrent le contraire.
B: C’est ton droit.

English synonyms
» Disagree with
» Object to
» Challenge
» Push back on
» Be opposed to

A: I take issue with the way this report was presented.
B: Really? What would you change?
    

Dialogue

Jasmine: "The manager said we don’t need more training sessions."
Owen: "Seriously? I take issue with that. Our last project clearly showed gaps in knowledge."
Jasmine: "I know. It’s frustrating."
    

Etymology

Origin: The phrase take issue with dates back to the 19th century. The word "issue" in this context means a point of debate or disagreement. To "take issue" originally meant to engage in a dispute, and the full expression came to mean disagreeing, often in a formal or reasoned way.

Audience

The phrase "take issue with" is commonly used in professional, academic, and personal contexts where disagreement is expressed respectfully.

When to use: Use this expression when you want to express disagreement without being aggressive. For example: "I take issue with the assumptions made in this proposal." It’s especially useful in debates, meetings, and written arguments where a polite tone is preferred.

Dictionary Meaning

The Free Dictionary says it means "To strongly disagree with someone or something or take offense at something." Here's a provided example of use:
"If you take issue with me or my methods, feel free to hire someone else."

News Snippet

"When people argue that South Africa’s issue is not racism but poverty, these examples prove that statement to be inaccurate because our poverty is quite obviously racialised. Because when you are white and poor, the colour of your skin still means you won’t be barred from or thrown out of establishments that do not allow begging.

For the record, I have no issue with kindness or compassion, particularly when a person is down and out. What I take issue with is its selective application.

Read the full article at the BBC

Extra! Extra!

For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…

Video Lesson One

Video Lesson Two

WordReference

When exploring the nuances of words, sometimes dictionaries don't provide enough context. The WordReference Forums offer insightful discussions that delve into the subtleties of language, including idiomatic expressions, usage nuances, and translations across languages.

Here are some quick links to help you navigate WordReference for deeper understanding:

» Read about today's word of the day.
» English⇄English–Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
» English⇄French–Explore translations and linguistic nuances
» Synonyms⇄Antonyms–Contextual variations, etc.

Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Take Issue With"

Take Issue With
To express disagreement or to challenge a statement, opinion, or action.

Example: "I take issue with the idea that this policy is fair to everyone."



Disagree With
To have a different opinion or oppose an idea or person.

Example: "She disagreed with the final decision of the committee."



Object To
To express opposition or disapproval of something.

Example: "They objected to the proposed changes in the contract."



Challenge an Idea
To question or confront a viewpoint or belief.

Example: "The student challenged the professor’s theory in class."



Beg to Differ
A polite way to say that you disagree.

Example: "I beg to differ—I think the project was successful."



Push Back On
To resist or oppose a suggestion or plan.

Example: "Several team members pushed back on the new timeline."



Raise an Objection
To formally state that you do not agree with something.

Example: "He raised an objection to the way the funds were allocated."



Take a Stand Against
To clearly show opposition to something.

Example: "They took a stand against the decision to close the school."



Comments