burden
English meaning: Burden
Definition
A heavy load.
Example
“Caring for her elderly parents became a heavy burden over the years.”
Another example: “In a criminal trial, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common noun for a heavy load (literal) or, more often figuratively, a difficult responsibility or worry. Frequent in formal and emotional contexts, and in the legal phrase 'burden of proof'. Also a verb ('to burden someone').
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'byrthen' (a load, weight), from the same Germanic root as 'bear' (to carry), dating to before 1000.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
Common Collocations
- burden of proof
- financial burden
- carry the burden
- heavy burden
- tax burden
Word Forms
burden (n); burdens (pl.); burden (v); burdened; burdening; burdensome (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B