Undertake — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˌən-dər-ˈtāk/ un·der·take

Meaning & Definition of Undertake

Undertake (verb)

  1. to take upon oneself, set about, attempt
  2. to put oneself under obligation to perform; also, to accept as a charge or responsibility —often followed by to + a verb
  3. guarantee, promise

Undertake (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to take to or upon oneself

    "undertook the responsibility of raising the orphaned children as their own"

    similar: accept, assume, bear, shoulder, take over
    related: adopt, embrace, take up, advocate, back, champion, endorse, espouse, stand by, support, uphold, accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, consent, reaccept, reassume
    opposite: disavow, disclaim, disown, repudiate
    near: abjure, recant, renounce, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw, decline, refuse, reject, spurn, turn down, abstain (from), forbear, refrain (from), avoid, bypass, detour, abandon, abnegate, forsake, give up, relinquish, surrender, back down, back off, backtrack

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Undertake

The most common words with a similar meaning to Undertake:

accept, assume, bear, shoulder, take over

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Undertake

Words with the opposite meaning of Undertake:

disavow, disclaim, disown, repudiate

Related Words for Undertake

adopt, embrace, take up, advocate, back, champion, endorse, espouse, stand by, support, uphold, accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, consent, reaccept, reassume

Near Antonyms of Undertake

abjure, recant, renounce, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw, decline, refuse, reject, spurn, turn down, abstain (from), forbear, refrain (from), avoid, bypass, detour, abandon, abnegate, forsake, give up, relinquish, surrender, back down, back off, backtrack

Word Forms of Undertake

Inflections: undertook, undertaken, undertaking

Origin & Etymology of Undertake

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Undertake

Frequently Asked Questions about Undertake

What does "Undertake" mean?

"Undertake" means to take upon oneself, set about, attempt. As a verb, it is defined as: to take upon oneself, set about, attempt.

What is another word for "Undertake"?

Other words for "Undertake" include accept, assume, bear, shoulder and take over. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Undertake" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Undertake"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Undertake". Common alternatives include accept, assume, bear, shoulder and take over.

What is the opposite of "Undertake"?

Antonyms of "Undertake" include disavow, disclaim, disown and repudiate. Near antonyms include abjure, recant, renounce and retract.

How do you use "Undertake" in a sentence?

Examples of "Undertake" in a sentence: "undertook the responsibility of raising the orphaned children as their own".

Is "Undertake" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Undertake" is a verb.

Is "Undertake" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Undertake" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Undertake"?

"Undertake" is pronounced /ˌən-dər-ˈtāk/ and divided into syllables as un·der·take.