How to pronounce undertake
Say it like UHN-der-tayk. Undertake has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce undertake. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- tayk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Undertake pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- taykGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of undertake
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-tayk.
What does undertake mean?
- enter upon an activity or enterprise
- accept as a challenge“I'll tackle this difficult task”
- promise to do or accomplish“guarantee to free the prisoners”
Where does undertake come from?
From Middle English undertaken; equivalent to under- + take (after undernim).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying undertake
How do you pronounce undertake?
Say UHN-der-tayk. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌteɪk/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəˌteɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in undertake?
Undertake has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · tayk.
Is undertake pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈʌndəˌteɪk/ (UHN-duh-tayk).