undertake1
/ʌndəˈteɪk
/verb (past undertook; past participle undertaken) [with object]
1Commit oneself to and begin (an enterprise or responsibility); take on: a firm of builders undertook the construction work...
- When I became president two-and-a-half years ago I undertook a duty and responsibility.
- This is a mammoth project undertaken by a very committed and brave team of artists and technicians.
- To undertake the duties and responsibilities of a platoon sergeant, you are expected to be at the top of your game.
Synonyms
tackle, take on, take on oneself, take up, accept, shoulder, handle, assume, manage, deal with, take responsibility for, take forward, be responsible for;
engage in, become involved in, take part in, participate in, devote oneself to, concentrate on, address oneself to, turn one's hand to, go about, set about, approach, get down to, get to grips with;
launch into, enter on, begin, start, embark on, venture on;
attempt, try, endeavour
informal get cracking on, have a crack/go/shot/stab at, give something a whirl
formal commence, essay
1.1 [usually with infinitive] Promise to do a particular thing: the firm undertook to keep price increases to a minimum...
- This is a general contractual principle - whenever anyone undertakes to secure a particular end, failure to do so is breach of contract.
- Some institutions have undertaken to provide the participants with caps and T-shirts.
- He agreed to pay the full sum, half of which was tax and half accrued interest and penalties, and undertook to sell off family assets to meet the demand within six months.
1.2 [with clause] Guarantee or affirm something; give as a formal pledge: a lorry driver implicitly undertakes that he is reasonably skilled as a driver...
- The Buyer undertakes that, based on the information which it has received at the date of this Agreement, it does not believe that it has cause to bring a material Relevant Claim in respect of breach of any of the Warranties.
- Secondly, he undertakes that, on due presentment of the bill to the drawee, it will be duly accepted (where acceptance is needed) and paid.
- The buyer undertakes that, in consideration of the bank releasing the bill of lading to it, it will hold it on trust for the bank, together with the goods and the proceeds of their sale.
Rhymes
undertake2
/ʌndəˈteɪk/verb (past undertook; past participle undertaken) [with object] British
Catch up with and pass (another vehicle) while travelling on the inside: he undertook me, at 70 mph, while on his mobile (as noun undertaking) speeding, tailgating, and undertaking on a motorway are all examples of driving without due care and attention...
- I drove towards Kings Tamerton and Victoria Road slip road when an idiot on a motorcycle undertook me between the nearside of my car and the grass verge.
- He undertook me and then pulled out into my lane (silly me, leaving a space between myself and the car in front in case I needed to brake!).
- They do not stay in bicycle lanes, undertaking vehicles when they are indicating to turn left, and don't stop at red lights and pedestrian crossings.