Undertake

Definition

Undertake means to commit oneself to and begin (an enterprise or responsibility); to take on.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌndərˈteɪk/
• Respelling: UHN-der-tayk (with "UHN" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "fun," "der" as in "her," and "tayk" rhyming with "make")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌndəˈteɪk/
• Respelling: UHN-der-tayk (similar to American English, with "UHN" as in "fun," "der" like in "her," and "tayk" as in "make")

In both dialects, "undertake" is pronounced with the primary stress on the last syllable "tayk." The first syllable is a schwa sound "UHN," akin to the 'u' in "fun," followed by "der," which sounds like "her," and the word concludes with "tayk," rhyming with words like "make" and "lake." The pronunciation is consistent between American and British English.

Etymology

The term "undertake" is derived from Old English "undertecan", where "under" implies a supportive role or position, and "tecan" means "to take". Thus, historically, "undertake" was to take upon oneself or to take in hand, indicating a commitment or a promise to execute a task or responsibility.

Derivatives

• Undertaker
• Undertaking
• Undertaken
• Undertakes
• Undertakings

Synonyms

• Embark on
• Commit to
• Engage in

Antonyms

• Abdicate
• Forgo
• Decline

Usage

• "She decided to undertake a new project to improve community health."
• "The contractor undertook the task of renovating the house."

Related Terms

• Commitment
• Obligation
• Responsibility
• Task
• Pledge

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Commit and Start: To promise or commit oneself to a particular task or action and then commence it.
• Example: After thorough research, he undertook the responsibility of leading the team.

• Guarantee or Pledge: To assure or guarantee that something will occur or be done.
• Example: The manufacturer undertakes that the appliance will be free from defects for one year.