undertake
Verbundertakes, undertaking, undertook, undertaken
Noun pluralundertakes
Formsundertakes, undertaking, undertook, undertaken
Pluralundertakes
- 1To take on and start a job or task that needs effort and time.
Like saying "I'll handle this" and then getting straight to work.
They decided to undertake a big cleaning project this weekend.
She undertook the repairs herself instead of hiring help.
Similartackle
Note
- 2
- 3To pass a slower car on the curb side instead of the usual passing side.
Like passing someone on the side they don't expect you to.
Drivers who undertake on the motorway risk heavy fines.
He undertook a lorry on the inside and nearly clipped it.
Oppositeovertake
Note
- 4The act of passing a slower car on the curb side instead of the usual side.
Like squeezing past someone on the wrong side in a hallway.
An undertake on the motorway can lead to a fine.
The driver's risky undertake startled everyone in the inside lane.
Oppositeovertake
Note
- 5To promise or say firmly that something is true.
Like giving your word that something will surely happen.
I undertake she will keep her word, whatever others may say.
That is her ransom; I deliver her; And those two counties I will undertake Your grace shall well and quietly enjoy.
1591, William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Sixt”Here, undertake means to promise or assure, so the speaker guarantees it.Note
- 6To take on a role or character.
Note
- 7To take someone on in a fight or battle.
Like stepping forward to fight someone bigger than you.
The young knight undertook the giant despite his fear.
It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offence to.
1611, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Cymbeline”Here, undertake means to fight with someone, to take them on.Note
- 8To take charge of something or someone.
To the water side I must conduct your grace; Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux, Who undertakes you to your end.
1613, William Shakespeare, [John Fletcher]Here, undertakes means takes charge of, so he will be responsible for you.Note
- 9To catch or trap someone by using tricks.
- 10To learn about something or to hear of it.
Ne he his mouth would open unto wight, Untill that Guyon selfe unto him spake, And called Brigadore, (so was he hight,) Whose voice so soone as he did undertake, Eftsoones he stood as still as any stake,
1596, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie QueeneHere, undertake means to hear or notice, so as soon as it heard the voice.Note
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
From Middle English undertaken, made from under- and take.