Undergo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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undergo

[ˌʌndəˈɡoʊ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

experience

To undergo something means to experience it or go through it, especially something difficult or unpleasant. It implies that the person is passively subjected to the experience.

Synonyms

endure, experience, face, suffer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
undergo	Used when someone goes through a process or a significant change, often something official or medical. She had to undergo surgery The company is undergoing a restructuring process
experience	Used to describe encountering or going through events or situations, whether positive or negative. It’s more neutral and versatile. She experienced a lot of joy during her vacation They experienced some technical difficulties during the presentation
endure	Used to talk about going through something painful or difficult for a long time. The word often has a sense of patience and strength. He endured years of hardship The soldiers had to endure extreme weather conditions
face	Used when someone has to confront or deal with a difficult or challenging situation directly. It implies courage or necessity. You have to face your fears The team faced a tough opponent in the finals
suffer	Used for situations involving pain, distress, or negative impacts. It usually has a negative connotation. Many people suffer from chronic illnesses He suffered a great loss when his pet died

Examples of usage

I had to undergo surgery last year.
She underwent a lot of stress during the exam period.
The company is undergoing major changes in its structure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

In literature, characters often undergo significant transformations, marking important plot points.
Various art forms, like music and dance, explore themes of undergoing change, symbolizing personal growth or societal evolution.

Psychology

In psychology, undergoing therapy can lead to significant emotional changes and personal insights.
Experiences like grief involve undergoing a process of healing that can reshape a person's perspective and emotions.

Science

In biology, organisms undergo processes such as metamorphosis, where they change form, like caterpillars becoming butterflies.
Technology also sees machines undergoing upgrades, improving their functionality and performance over time.

Education

Students undergo assessments throughout their education, helping to measure their growth and understanding.
Teaching methods often reflect the idea of students undergoing hands-on experiences to enhance learning and retention.

Origin of 'undergo'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Old English 'undergān', which means 'to go beneath' or 'to go through'.
The prefix 'under-' often suggests something is below or beneath something else, while 'go' relates to movement or action.

The word 'undergo' originated in the late 15th century from the combination of 'under' and 'go'. It has roots in Middle English and Old English, with the sense of 'pass through, go through'. Over the centuries, its usage evolved to convey the idea of experiencing or enduring something. The word has retained its core meaning of undergoing a process or experience, reflecting the enduring nature of human existence.

See also: forego, forgo, go, goad, gofer, going, gone, goon, ongoing, outgoing.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,083 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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