undertake

Commit to doing

To undertake something is to commit to doing it, especially something substantial or demanding: She undertook the restoration of the old farmhouse.

The word implies accepting responsibility for a task or project.

An undertaking is such a commitment—often a serious or difficult one: Building the bridge was a massive undertaking.

To undertake can also mean to promise or guarantee: He undertook to repay the loan within a year.

attempt

endeavor

Purposeful sustained attempt

effortApplied energy toward goals
tryMake an effort
striveMake sustained effort

pursuit · quest · trial · venture · tackle · embark · commence · initiate · launch · begin

commit

commitment

Firm pledge to act

dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
obligationRequired task or commitment
responsibilityState of being answerable

promise · vow · pledge · guarantee · assurance · oath · bond · allegiance · devotion · engagement

venture

enterprise

Commercial undertaking or initiative

expeditionOrganized exploratory journey
adventureRisky exciting undertaking
explorationTraveling through unknown regions

journey · quest · risk · gamble · speculation · initiative · startup · endeavor · business · project

pledge

promise

Commitment to act

vowSolemn personal commitment
oathFormal binding promise
guaranteeFormal promise of fulfillment

assurance · swear · covenant · word · bond · affirm · declare · avowal · troth · solemn

task

project

Planned, effortful task

assignmentAllocated work or duty
jobPaid position of employment
workEffort toward a goal

mission · duty · charge · operation · enterprise · activity · engagement · function · role · responsibility

Categories

verbsjump, be, speak, wait, do
commandsgo, stop, wait, come, run
responsibility verbsmanage, handle, oversee, supervise, lead
take onhire, employ, recruit, accept, assume
pledgesvow, promise, I promise, wedding vows, I vow
conflictclash, fight, war, battle, dispute

Opposites

commitment to action

undertakedecline

Decrease or refuse

refuse · reject · abstain · avoid · forbear

continuation vs. cessation

undertakeabandon

Leave behind permanently

discontinue · quit · give up · finish · complete

claiming vs. disclaiming responsibility

undertakedisclaim

Deny connection or responsibility

disavow · renounce · relinquish · disown · repudiate

Phrases

The UndertakerFuneral service professional

Family

undertakers, undertaking, undertaken, undertakes, undertaker, undertakings

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G