# undertake

Pronunciation: US say "un-dur-TAYK" /ˌʌndɚˈteɪk/; say "un-duh-TAYK" UK /ˌʌndəˈteɪk/, AUS /ˌɐndəˈtæɪk/

## Verb

1. To take upon oneself and begin a particular task, project, or responsibility.
   - Simple: To take on and start a job or task that needs effort and time.
   - _The firm agreed to undertake the construction of the new bridge._
   - _Researchers undertook a detailed study of the region's wildlife._
2. To commit oneself to an obligation, activity, or course of action.
   - Simple: To promise or agree to do something.
   - _The contractor undertook to complete the work by spring._
   - _They undertake to abide by the terms of the agreement._
3. To overtake a slower vehicle on the curbside lane rather than on the side nearer oncoming traffic. *(colloquial, British)*
   - Simple: To pass a slower car on the curb side instead of the usual passing side.
   - _The motorcyclist undertook several cars stuck in the outside lane._
   - _It's illegal to undertake other vehicles on most British motorways._

## Noun

4. The maneuver of overtaking slower traffic on the curbside lane rather than on the side closest to oncoming traffic. *(colloquial, British)*
   - Simple: The act of passing a slower car on the curb side instead of the usual side.
   - _A sudden undertake caused the near-collision on the M25._
   - _Police recorded several undertakes during the morning rush hour._

## Verb

5. To pledge or assert confidently; to assure, or to venture to say that something is so. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: To promise or say firmly that something is true.
   - _I will undertake that no harm shall come to your family._
   - _The merchant undertook that every promise would be honored._
6. To assume or take on a role, character, or persona. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To take on a role or character.
7. To engage with or take on an opponent in combat or a fight. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To take someone on in a fight or battle.
   - _He boldly undertook three armed men at the gate._
   - _Only the bravest would undertake such a fearsome warrior._
8. To take charge of; to assume responsibility for the management of something. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To take charge of something or someone.
9. To take by trickery; to trap or seize someone through deceit. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To catch or trap someone by using tricks.
10. To have knowledge of; to come to hear or learn of something. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To learn about something or to hear of it.

## Origin

From Middle English undertaken, equivalent to under- plus take (formed after undernim).

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/undertake (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).