undertake

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

under- +‎ take (after undernim).

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to undertake

Third person singular
undertakes

Simple past
undertook

Past participle
undertaken

Present participle
undertaking

to undertake (third-person singular simple present undertakes, present participle undertaking, simple past undertook, past participle undertaken)

  1. (obsolete, transitive) To take by trickery; to trap, to seize upon.
    • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book IX:
      So Sir Trystram endured there grete payne, for syknes had undirtake hym – and that ys the grettist payne a presoner may have [...].
  2. (transitive) To take upon oneself; to start, to embark on (a specific task etc.).
    He undertook a course of medication.
  3. (archaic, intransitive) To pledge; to assert, assure; to dare say.
    • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book VII:
      "I have now aspyed one knyght," he seyde, "that woll play hys play at the justys, I undirtake."
  4. (intransitive) To commit oneself (to an obligation, activity etc.).
    He undertook to take more exercise in future.
  5. (informal) to overtake on the wrong side.
    I hate people that try and undertake on the motorway.

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