WordValeundertake
to commit to and begin a task
In more detail
1. (verb) to agree to do something or accept responsibility for something
2. (verb) to start or begin a task, project, or journey
Examples
- 1. She undertook the responsibility of organizing the conference.
- 2. The company undertook a major renovation of the building.
How to use undertake
Undertake is a formal or semi-formal verb meaning to commit oneself to doing something or to begin an activity. It emphasizes acceptance of responsibility and commitment, making it stronger than simple 'do' or 'start.' It is commonly used in professional, academic, and official contexts when describing substantial initiatives or obligations.
Common phrases
- undertake a task
- undertake a project
- undertake a journey
- undertake responsibility
- undertake an obligation
- undertake research
Synonyms
assume · take on · begin · start · commence
Opposites
abandon · neglect
Word family
undertaker · undertaken · undertaking
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use undertake as if it were reflexive (undertake oneself), but the correct form is simply undertake + object, as in 'undertake a project' not 'undertake oneself to a project.'
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