undertake etymology

Etymology

The word "undertake" originates from the Middle English term "undertaken," which itself is derived from the Old English words "under" (meaning "beneath") and "tacan" (meaning "to take").

Meaning

The verb "undertake" has several meanings:

  • To initiate, begin, or commence a task or project.
  • To assume responsibility for or commit oneself to something.
  • To guarantee or promise something.
  • To guarantee or promise something.
  • To venture into or attempt something involving risk or danger.

Origin

The term "undertake" first emerged in the 13th century in the context of legal agreements and contracts. It denoted the act of pledging to fulfill a certain obligation. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to encompass its current range of senses.

Usage

"Undertake" is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example:

  • "I have undertaken the task of organizing the conference."
  • "We understand our responsibility to protect our customers and undertake to do so."
  • "I will undertake to deliver the goods on time."
  • "The team undertook the perilous expedition with courage."

undertake relate terms

  • take

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It seeks to trace t

  • nimble

    Etymology Middle English nimbel from Old English nimel nimhle Germanic root nemona

  • under

    Etymology Meaning Origin Etymology refers to the study of the history and origin of wor

  • understand

    Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing the develop

  • understand

    Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing the develop

  • contract

    Etymology The word contract comes from the Latin word contractus which means drawn

  • guarantee

    Etymology The word guarantee comes from the Old French word garantie which in turn

  • enterprise

    Etymology The term enterprise has its origins in the Old French word entreprendre fo

  • begin

    Etymology The word begin comes from the Old English word beginnan which means to pe

  • emprise

    Etymology The word emprise has its origins in the Old French word empreise which in turn

  • impresario

    Etymology Impresario is derived from the Italian word impresario which means contrac

  • specify

    Etymology is the study of the origin of words and their historical development It is deri

  • tackle

    Etymology of Tackle The word tackle has multiple origins Old English tacel mea

  • promise

    Etymology The word promise comes from the Old French word promesse which in turn de