ENGLISH
REFERENCE

undertake

v. · n.
US //ˈəndɝˌteɪk// UK //ˌʌndətˈeɪk// un·der·take
Irregular verb past undertook past participle undertaken
  1. 1 to start a task (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to start a piece of work, a project, or a responsibility.

    to commit to and begin a specific task, project, or responsibility. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the activity.

    Example

    The university decided to undertake a major study on climate change.

    Example

    The engineering firm agreed to undertake the bridge restoration project, despite the significant logistical challenges posed by the winter weather.

    Usage

    Often used with nouns like 'task', 'study', 'project', or 'journey'.
  2. 2 to promise (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to promise or agree that you will do something.

    to pledge or formally commit oneself to an obligation or course of action. Often followed by a 'to' infinitive.

    Example

    The company will undertake to finish the repairs by the end of the week.

    Example

    The defendant must undertake to remain within the jurisdiction of the court until the trial has concluded.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by a 'to' infinitive clause.
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  1. 3 to pass on the inside (v.)
    C1 Advanced British English Informal

    to drive past a slower car using the lane on the left (in countries where people drive on the left).

    to overtake a slower vehicle on the nearside (the side closest to the verge or kerb).

    Example

    It is dangerous to undertake other cars on the motorway.

    Example

    The driver was pulled over by the police after he tried to undertake a lorry on a busy stretch of the M25.

    Teacher's tip

    This is specifically British usage; in American English, this is simply called 'passing on the right'.
  2. 4 passing on the inside (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Informal

    the act of driving past a slower car on the left side.

    the act of passing a slower-moving vehicle on the nearside.

    Example

    The police officer gave him a ticket for a dangerous undertake.

    Example

    Aggressive undertakes are a common cause of accidents on multi-lane highways where lane discipline is poor.

Origin

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

Word family

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