undertake
uhn-duh-TAYK
Undertake (verb) means to take on a task or responsibility and commit to completing it. Example: “The city undertook a major renovation of the old harbor.”
verb
1
To take on a task or responsibility and commit to completing it.
"The city undertook a major renovation of the old harbor."
"She undertook to finish the report by Friday."
"Our team agreed to undertake the survey of the whole village."
2
To formally promise or commit to doing something.
"He undertook not to disclose the details of the deal."
How to use undertake
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo agree to take on a job, project, or commitment.
When to use it
Fairly formal; in everyday speech people more often just say "take on" a project.
Common pairings
undertake a task
undertake a review
undertake to do something
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Word forms
- Plural
- undertakes
- Third person singular
- undertakes
- Past tense
- undertook, undertaken
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Our team agreed to _____ the survey of the whole village.
Etymology
From Middle English undertaken, from under- plus take.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for undertake
See all rhymes for undertake →Frequently asked questions
What does “undertake” mean?
The word “undertake” means to take on a task or responsibility and commit to completing it. In plain terms, to agree to take on a job, project, or commitment.
How do you pronounce “undertake”?
“Undertake” is pronounced uhn-duh-TAYK (/ˌʌndɚˈteɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “undertake” in a sentence?
Here is “undertake” used in a sentence: “The city undertook a major renovation of the old harbor.”
What part of speech is “undertake”?
“Undertake” is a verb.
Where does the word “undertake” come from?
The word “undertake” comes from Middle English. From Middle English undertaken, from under- plus take.
Is “undertake” a common word?
“Undertake” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “undertake” have?
“Undertake” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to take on a task or responsibility and commit to completing it.
What is the difference between undertake and undergo?
Undertake means to actively take on a task or responsibility by choice, such as undertaking a renovation. Undergo means to experience or go through something, often passively, such as undergoing a review. Undertake implies agency and commitment; undergo does not.
What is the difference between undertake and promise?
Both can involve committing to do something, but undertake often carries a more formal or official tone, as in a business or legal context, while promise is used in everyday personal commitments. Undertake also covers taking on tasks generally, not only making verbal commitments.
Is undertake a formal word?
Undertake tends to appear in more formal or professional contexts, such as undertaking an investigation, a project, or a legal obligation, rather than in casual conversation. In everyday speech people are more likely to say 'take on' or 'agree to' instead.
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