# undertake

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˌʌndəˈteɪk/ · frequency rank #10,787

## Definitions
1. To take upon oneself; to start, to embark on (a specific task etc.).
2. To commit oneself (to an obligation, activity etc.).
3. To pass a slower moving vehicle on the curbside rather than on the side closest to oncoming traffic.
4. To pledge; to assert, assure; to dare say.
5. To take by trickery; to trap, to seize upon.
6. To assume, as a character; to take on.
7. To engage with; to attack, take on in a fight.
8. To have knowledge of; to hear.
9. To have or take charge of.

## Etymology
From Middle English undertaken; equivalent to under- + take (after undernim).

## Easily confused with
- **undertone** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/undertake-vs-undertone)
- **undertaken** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/undertake-vs-undertaken)
- **undertaker** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/undertake-vs-undertaker)
- **underage** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/underage-vs-undertake)

## Common misspellings (13)
`nudertake`, `udnertake`, `unddertake`, `underatke`, `underrtake`, `undertaek`, `undertakke`, `undertkae`, `underttake`, `undetrake`, `undretake`, `unedrtake`, `unndertake`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/undertake