take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect; "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"
take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities; "When will the new President assume office?"
accept as a challenge; "I'll tackle this difficult task"
admit into a group or community; "accept students for graduate study"; "We'll have to vote on whether or not to admit a new member"
contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle; "Princeton plays Yale this weekend"; "Charlie likes to play Mary"