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undertake

/ˌʌndəˈteɪk/
IELTSAcademic
verb

To start and be responsible for a job or activity.

  • She will undertake the investigation next week.
  • I undertake to finish the work on time.
  • They undertook the renovation themselves.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: undertake is more formal and committed than do or try, yet less binding than commit or pledge; choose undertake when you accept responsibility for finishing something.

In other languages

Spanish
emprender
Japanese
取り組む
Korean
성실하게 맡다
Vietnamese
nhận công việc
Chinese
承担

Etymology

From Old French undertaker, from under + take; the sense of 'commit to a task' has long roots.

Common phrases

undertake a projectundertake researchundertake the task

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is undertake formal or informal?
Is undertake formal or informal?
How is undertake different from do?
How is undertake different from do?
How can I use undertake in a sentence?
How can I use undertake in a sentence?
Is undertake common in academic writing?
Is undertake common in academic writing?