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View synonyms for undertake

undertake

[uhn-der-teyk]

verb (used with object)

undertook, undertaken, undertaking. 
  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)

undertook, undertaken, undertaking. 
  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,  to make oneself responsible (for)

  5. (tr) to promise

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • preundertake verb (used with object)
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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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But cleaning a house that size was a massive undertaking, and it seemed impossible to keep track of everyone’s belongings, as compared with when they lived in a smaller duplex.

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But cleaning a house that size was a massive undertaking, and it seemed impossible to keep track of everyone’s belongings, as compared with when they lived in a smaller duplex.

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Early on, Oscar was quite decisive and undertook some brave moves when he had to.

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The changes would see teachers given more time to prepare for lessons, support wider school improvement activities, and undertake professional learning.

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The company said it was undertaking select price increases in addition to winning concessions from vendors and altering its supply chain.

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