Undergo

Definition

Undergo refers to experiencing or enduring something, especially a change or something unpleasant.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌndərˈɡoʊ/
• Respelling: UHN-der-goh (with "UHN" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "fun," "der" as in "her," and "goh" rhyming with "no")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ/
• Respelling: UHN-der-goh (similar to American English, with "UHN" as in "fun," "der" like in "her," and "goh" as in "no")

In both dialects, "undergo" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable "goh." The word begins with "UHN," a schwa sound similar to the 'u' in "fun," followed by "der," which sounds like "her," and concludes with "goh," rhyming with words like "no" and "so." The pronunciation is consistent between American and British English.

Etymology

The term "undergo" comes from the Old English word "undergān", where "under" translates to "among" or "in the midst of" and "gān" means "to go". Hence, its literal meaning pertains to "going through or enduring".

Derivatives

• Undergoing
• Underwent
• Undergone
• Undergoer
• Undergoes

Synonyms

• Experience
• Endure
• Suffer

Antonyms

• Avoid
• Eschew
• Dodge

Usage

• "The city will undergo major changes due to the construction project."
• "She underwent surgery to repair the injury."

Related Terms

• Undertake
• Undertaking
• Sustain
• Bear
• Encounter

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Experience or Endure: To experience, sustain, or be subjected to something, especially a change, treatment, process, or something undesirable.
• Example: The patient will undergo a medical procedure tomorrow.

• Pass or Move Through: To move or pass through a certain phase or period.
• Example: The proposal is undergoing scrutiny before it's approved.

• Be the Recipient of (a reaction): To be the subject or recipient of a particular reaction, typically an undesirable one.
• Example: The announcement underwent severe criticism from experts.