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View synonyms for undertake

undertake

[ uhn-der-teyk ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·took [uhn-der-, took], un·der·tak·en, un·der·tak·ing.
  1. to take upon oneself, as a task, performance, etc.; attempt:

    She undertook the job of answering all the mail.

  2. to promise, agree, or obligate oneself (followed by an infinitive):

    The married couple undertook to love, honor, and cherish each other.

  3. to warrant or guarantee (followed by a clause):

    The sponsors undertake that their candidate meets all the requirements.

  4. to take in charge; assume the duty of attending to:

    The lawyer undertook a new case.



verb (used without object)

, un·der·took [uhn-der-, took], un·der·tak·en, un·der·tak·ing.
  1. Archaic. to engage oneself by promise; give a guarantee, or become surety.

undertake

/ ˌʌndəˈteɪk /

verb

  1. tr to contract to or commit oneself to (something) or (to do something)

    to undertake a job

    to undertake to deliver the goods

  2. tr to attempt to; agree to start
  3. tr to take (someone) in charge
  4. archaic.
    intrfoll byfor to make oneself responsible (for)
  5. tr to promise


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Other Words From

  • preun·der·take verb (used with object) preundertook preundertaken preundertaking

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Word History and Origins

Origin of undertake1

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English undertaken; under-, take

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Example Sentences

(1)  Only charities and non-profits should ask for unpaid workers to staff their operations or undertake time-consuming projects.

“However, it is still unclear to me if the U.S. and its allies are prepared to undertake such a comprehensive approach,” he says.

His gun is available to anyone willing to undertake a few minutes of Internet research.

Pronouncing illegality, governments will often undertake demolitions of slum houses.

She will be remembered as a strong leader and a person willing to undertake difficult tasks to achieve long-term objectives.

We are ourselves satisfied, and undertake to demonstrate to our readers, that this question must be answered in the affirmative.

He thus probably acquired sufficient confidence to undertake and perform the operation himself.

The work which he gives countenance to some to undertake, according to his own good pleasure, he commits to others.

Passage over it is often one of the most difficult feats to accomplish which the Alpine explorer has to undertake.

Be sure, before you accept any invitation to play, that you know perfectly the piece you undertake.

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