üstlen

Üstlen is a Turkish verb meaning to undertake, to take on a responsibility or duty, or to assume an obligation. The base form is üstlenmek (to undertake), and üstlen serves as the common stem used in conjugation. It denotes willingly accepting a task, burden, or role, rather than merely being assigned to it.

Etymology and meaning: The word combines üst (on, upon, upper) with a reflexive or middle suffix, capturing the sense of placing a burden on oneself. In usage, it highlights personal commitment to a task or responsibility. It is often used in formal, bureaucratic, or journalistic contexts to describe someone who has assumed a role or duty.

Usage and examples: Üstlenmek is typically followed by the object denoting what is undertaken, such as responsibilities, duties, or projects. Examples include: "Belediye başkanı projeyi üstlendi" (The mayor undertook the project), "Sorumluluğu üstlendik" (We took on the responsibility), "Görevi üstlenmesini kabul etti" (He agreed to undertake the duty). The word appears in various tenses and moods through standard Turkish conjugation (üstleniyorum, üstlendim, üstlenecek, etc.).

Related forms: The noun forms related to the act of undertaking include üstlenme (the act of undertaking) and üstleniş (the act or process of taking on). These terms are used in similar contexts to describe engagement in duties or commitments.

See also: üstlenmek, üstlenme, üstleniş. Note that while üstlenmek is the common dictionary form, üstlen serves as the stem in conjugation for different persons and tenses.