undertake

== English == === Alternative forms === undirtake (obsolete) === Etymology === From Middle English undertaken; equivalent to under- +‎ take (after undernim). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌʌndəˈteɪk/ (General American, Canada) IPA(key): /ˌʌndɚˈteɪk/ (General Australian, New Zealand) IPA(key): /ˌɐndəˈtæɪk/ Rhymes: -eɪk === Verb === undertake (third-person singular simple present undertakes, present participle undertaking, simple past undertook, past participle undertaken) (transitive) To take upon oneself; to start, to embark on (a specific task etc.). Synonyms: tackle, take on, set about (intransitive) To commit oneself (to an obligation, activity etc.). (British, informal) To pass a slower moving vehicle on the curbside rather than on the side closest to oncoming traffic. Antonym: overtake (archaic, intransitive) To pledge; to assert, assure; to dare say. (obsolete, transitive) To take by trickery; to trap, to seize upon. (obsolete) To assume, as a character; to take on. (obsolete) To engage with; to attack, take on in a fight. (obsolete) To have knowledge of; to hear. (obsolete) To have or take charge of. ==== Usage notes ==== Sense: To commit oneself. This is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive. See Appendix:English catenative verbs ==== Derived terms ==== undertaker undertaking ==== Translations ==== === Noun === undertake (plural undertakes) (British, informal) The passing of slower traffic on the curbside rather than on the side closest to oncoming traffic. Antonym: overtake