English · Word Candidate

undertake

/ˌʌndəˈteɪk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: undertakes · undertaking · undertook · undertaken

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To take upon oneself; to start, to embark on (a specific task etc.).

Verb

This said, he sat; and expectation held His look suspense, awaiting who appeared To second, or oppose, or undertake The perilous attempt.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To commit oneself (to an obligation, activity etc.).

Verb

He undertook to exercise more in future.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

The passing of slower traffic on the curbside rather than on the side closest to oncoming traffic.

NounRegister: UK, informal

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “undertake” mean?

To take upon oneself; to start, to embark on (a specific task etc.).

Is “undertake” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.