under-、inter- の変化形、内部から、語源的にはinteract, understand, take, take away, undertakeと同じ。すなわち、引き受ける。
英語の語源
undertake (v.)
c. 1200, "to entrap;" c. 1300, "to set about (to do)," from under + take (v.). Similar formation in French entreprendre "to undertake," from entre "between, among" + prendre "to take." The under in this word may be the same one that also may form the first element of understand. Old English had underniman "to trap, accept" (cognate with Dutch ondernemen, German unternehmen).
例文
1. It seemed a singularly ill-judged enterprise for Truman to undertake .
これはトルーマンにとって特に賢明ではない事業のようだ。
2.I can undertake that you will enjoy the play.
このドラマが好きになることを保証します。
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3.We can 't undertake that you will make a profit.
あなたが利益を得ることを保証することはできません。
4.Who will undertake the job of decorating the auditorium？
講堂を飾る仕事を担当するのは誰ですか。
5.If you will undertake the affair,I shall be very grateful.