undertake
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌʌndərˈteɪk/
KK: /ʌndərˈteɪk/
intransitive verb
Definition
To take on a responsibility or task, often involving effort or commitment.
Example
She decided to undertake the project despite its challenges.
Tense Forms
Past: undertook
Past Participle: undertaken
Conversation
I think I should undertake the project to organize our community clean-up.
That sounds like a great idea! We need someone to lead it.
Yeah, it might be a lot of work, but I'm ready to undertake it.
I’ll help you out! We can make a real difference together.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
assume
accept
embark
Antonyms
reject
abandon
disclaim
transitive verb
Definition
To take on a responsibility or task, often involving effort or commitment.
Example
She decided to undertake the project despite its challenges.
Tense Forms
Past: undertook
Past Participle: undertaken
Conversation
I’ve decided to undertake a new project this weekend.
That sounds exciting! What are you going to work on?
I want to undertake some gardening and plant new flowers.
Root Explanation
Undertake → It is formed from "under-" (meaning among or between) and "take" (from Old English "tacan", meaning to seize or grasp). The word "undertake" means to seize or grasp a task or responsibility among others, implying a commitment to begin something.
Memory Tip
Think of 'taking' on a task 'among' others — that's why 'undertake' means to commit to a responsibility.
Visually Confused Words
reundertake
unundertaken
preundertake
unrake
unovertaken