take on

(verb) take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect. Synonyms: assume, acquire, adopt, take on, take. Examples: "His voice took on a sad tone." "The story took a new turn." "He adopted an air of superiority." "She assumed strange manners." "The gods assume human or animal form in these fables."

(verb) take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities. Synonyms: assume, adopt, take on, take over. Example: "When will the new president assume office?."

(verb) accept as a challenge. Synonyms: undertake, tackle, take on. Example: "I'll tackle this difficult task."

(verb) admit into a group or community. Synonyms: accept, admit, take, take on. Examples: "Accept students for graduate study." "We'll have to vote on whether or not to admit a new member."

(verb) contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle. Synonyms: meet, encounter, play, take on. Examples: "Princeton plays yale this weekend." "Charlie likes to play mary."