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Burden Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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burden

[ˈbəːd(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

carry

A load, especially a heavy one.

Synonyms

cargo, load, weight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
burden

Use in situations where something is a heavy responsibility or a difficult obligation that weighs someone down mentally or emotionally.

  • The debt was a huge burden on his shoulders.
  • She felt the burden of caring for her elderly parents.
load

Used when referring to the amount of weight carried or supported, either physically or metaphorically. It can also mean a burden, but is less emotionally charged.

  • The truck carries a heavy load.
  • He is balancing the load of work and family responsibilities.
weight

Refers to both the physical heaviness of an object and a figurative sense of emotional or mental pressure.

  • She was concerned about her weight.
  • The weight of his decisions affected him deeply.
cargo

Appropriate in situations related to transported goods, usually by ships, planes, or trucks.

  • The ship was loaded with valuable cargo.
  • They are inspecting the cargo before it gets shipped.

Examples of usage

  • He struggled to carry the burden of groceries home.
  • The burden of responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional

Something that is emotionally difficult to bear.

Synonyms

onus, responsibility, stress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
burden

Used when referring to something heavy, difficult, or causing worry. It can have a negative connotation, implying that the task or situation is difficult to handle.

  • The debt has become a heavy burden on their finances.
  • Caring for her sick parents is a big emotional burden.
responsibility

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or having control over someone. It is neutral and can be used positively or negatively.

  • It is your responsibility to complete the project on time.
  • He took full responsibility for the mistake.
onus

Generally used in more formal or legal language to indicate a duty or obligation that is placed on someone. It stresses the responsibility to act or decide.

  • The onus is on the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt.
  • The onus lies with the company to ensure safety standards are met.
stress

Often associated with mental or emotional strain or tension. It is usually used in contexts that discuss pressure and anxiety, commonly having a negative connotation.

  • The workload at the office causes him a lot of stress.
  • She felt a lot of stress before the final exams.

Examples of usage

  • The burden of guilt haunted him for years.
  • She felt the burden of grief after the loss of her loved one.
Context #3 | Verb

impose

To load or overload.

Synonyms

encumber, overburden, weigh down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
burden

Situations where someone or something is carrying a heavy load, either physically or mentally. It is neutral in tone and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • She felt the burden of her responsibilities weigh heavily on her shoulders.
  • The donkey carried a heavy burden up the steep hill.
encumber

Used when something restricts or hinders movement or action, either literally or figuratively. It carries a slightly formal tone and can imply a negative impact.

  • The hiker was encumbered by a heavy backpack.
  • His decisions were encumbered by financial constraints.
overburden

Describes a situation where someone or something is carrying too much, causing strain or stress. It is used with a negative connotation.

  • The students felt overburdened with homework.
  • The worker was overburdened with tasks and could not complete them all on time.
weigh down

Mostly used in situations where someone or something is physically or emotionally loaded with a heavy weight. It often has a negative connotation and implies an ongoing issue.

  • The heavy coat weighed him down as he trudged through the snow.
  • She was weighed down by guilt after making a big mistake.

Examples of usage

  • The new regulations burdened small businesses with additional costs.
  • Don't burden yourself with unnecessary worries.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Carrying emotional burdens can lead to stress and anxiety, affecting both mental and physical health.
  • The concept of 'burden sharing' is critical in relationships, indicating the importance of helping each other carry difficult feelings.
  • Research shows that expressing burdens can lead to healing and better coping strategies.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In various cultures, there’s a belief that sharing burdens strengthens community bonds.
  • Literature often uses a burden as a symbol of personal struggle, illustrating characters' growth through overcoming challenges.
  • In many religious teachings, reducing the burdens of others is seen as a virtuous act.

Pop Culture

  • Songs frequently explore themes of burden, often illustrating emotional struggles and the desire for relief.
  • Movies often depict a misfit character who learns the value of sharing burdens, resulting in personal growth and friendship.
  • Burden is a common subject in art, representing the human condition and the weights we carry in life.

Science

  • In biomechanics, the concept of burden is crucial in understanding how humans and animals walk with loads.
  • Research in ergonomics examines how burdens affect physical health, promoting better ways to lift and carry objects.
  • Studies show that mindfulness practices can help individuals manage both physical and emotional burdens effectively.

Origin of 'burden'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'byrðen', meaning 'a load' or 'to carry'.
  • It is related to the German word 'Bürde', which also means 'a burden or load', showing a common Germanic root.
  • Similar words exist in Latin, like 'onus', emphasizing the concept of carrying a weight.

The word 'burden' originated from the Old English word 'byrthen', meaning 'a load, weight, or charge'. Over time, the meaning expanded to include emotional or mental weight. The concept of burden has been prevalent in various cultures and languages, reflecting the universal experience of carrying heavy loads, whether physical or emotional.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,206, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.