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undertake definition

under·take (un′dər tāk′)

transitive verb undertook -·took′, undertaken -·tak′en, undertaking -·tak′·ing

  1. to take upon oneself; agree to do; enter into or upon (a task, journey, etc.)
  2. to give a promise or pledge that; contract he undertook to be their guide
  3. to promise; guarantee
  4. to make oneself responsible for; take over as a charge

Etymology: ME undertaken: see under- & take

intransitive verb

  1. Archaic to take on responsibility, pledge oneself, guarantee, or be surety (for)
  2. ☆ Informal to work as an undertaker (sense )

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

undertake Synonyms

undertake

v.

endeavor, engage, set out, promise, try out, try, begin, commence, offer, set in motion, volunteer, initiate, commit oneself to, embark upon, venture, take upon oneself, answer for, hazard, stake, move, devote oneself to, pledge oneself to, shoulder, take up for, take on, set about, go into, go about, go in for, put one's hand to, have one's hands in, have in hand, launch into, launch forth, address oneself to, enter on or upon, busy oneself with, tackle*, pitch into*, fall into*, buckle to*, take on*, take the plunge*, fall to*, have a try at*, go for in a big way*.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

undertake Usage Examples

Used with why or when

  • whatever: The students themselves model care and concern for the environment and a willingness to undertake whatever needs doing.

Present participle complement

  • world-changing: Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham undertakes world-changing research, provides innovative teaching and a student experience of the highest quality.

Subject

  • consultant: The article concludes with an account of the evaluation, which was undertaken by an independent consultant.

Infinitive complement

  • assess: This study was undertaken to assess the reasons for failure of endometrial resection.

Preposition: in

  • accordance: The development was undertaken in accordance with DEFRA's sustainability objectives.

Preposition: with

  • caution: Hiking along " dry " stream beds should be undertaken with caution, especially after or during rain.

Preposition: by

  • consultant: The article concludes with an account of the evaluation, which was undertaken by an independent consultant.
undertake usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"undertake." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/undertake>

APA Style

undertake. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/undertake

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