Meaning : Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect.

Example : 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.

Synonyms : acquire, adopt, assume, take

Meaning : Take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities.

Example : When will the new President assume office?.

Synonyms : adopt, assume, take over

Meaning : Accept as a challenge.

Example : I'll tackle this difficult task.

Synonyms : tackle, undertake

Meaning : Admit into a group or community.

Example : Accept students for graduate study.
We'll have to vote on whether or not to admit a new member.

Synonyms : accept, admit, take

Meaning : Contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle.

Example : Princeton plays Yale this weekend.
Charlie likes to play Mary.

Synonyms : encounter, meet, play