verb
undertake
uhn-duh-TAYK
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."
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
Word Forms
undertook past tense, undertaken past tense, undertakes plural, undertakes singular
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Etymology
From Middle English undertaken, from under- plus take.