Burdened: meaning, definitions and examples

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burdened

[ˈbɜːrdənd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling of being weighed down

To be burdened means to be heavily loaded or weighed down, either physically or emotionally. It can also refer to feeling overwhelmed or oppressed by responsibilities or problems.

Synonyms

oppressed, overwhelmed, weighed down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
burdened	Used when someone is carrying a heavy load, either physically or mentally. Indicates a sense of responsibility or difficulty that is making life harder. She felt burdened by the numerous tasks at work He was burdened with the responsibility of caring for his aging parents
weighed down	Similar to 'burdened,' this term is used to describe someone who feels heavy either physically or emotionally. Often suggests a more physical or tangible load. He was weighed down by the heavy backpack The constant worries weighed her down, making it hard for her to enjoy life
overwhelmed	Describes a situation where someone is feeling overpowered by emotions, tasks, or situations. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts, but generally indicates being unable to cope. She was overwhelmed with joy upon hearing the news He felt overwhelmed by the amount of work he had to do
oppressed	Often used in situations where someone is suffering from unjust treatment, typically by a powerful entity. Carries a negative connotation linked to social, political, or economic injustice. The people felt oppressed under the tyrant's rule Workers felt oppressed by the unfair labor practices

Examples of usage

She felt burdened by the weight of her past mistakes.
The farmers were burdened with heavy debts and struggled to make ends meet.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

impose a heavy load or responsibility

To burden someone means to impose a heavy load, duty, or responsibility on them. It can also refer to causing someone hardship or difficulty.

Synonyms

encumber, impose, load.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
burdened	This word is used when someone feels heavy emotional or physical stress or responsibility. She felt burdened by the loss of her job
impose	This word is appropriate when you are forcing a duty, tax, or unwelcome burden on someone. It often has a negative connotation. The new regulations impose additional costs on small businesses
load	Suitable for situations involving physical weight or carrying a large amount of something. He had to load the truck with all the supplies
encumber	Use this term in formal contexts when something restricts or hinders motion or progress. The project was encumbered by lack of funds

Examples of usage

The government's new policies burdened small businesses with additional taxes.
She didn't want to burden her family with her financial problems.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'byrdan', meaning to carry a load.
Its root is related to the German word 'bürde', which also means a load or weight.
The concept has evolved to imply not just physical loads, but emotional or mental weights as well.

Psychology

Feeling burdened can lead to stress and anxiety, causing mental fatigue.
People often experience emotional burdens after traumatic events, affecting their mental health.
Sharing or delegating responsibilities can significantly reduce feelings of being burdened.

Literature

Characters in classic literature often deal with burdens, symbolizing deeper emotional struggles.
In John Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress', the protagonist carries a heavy burden that symbolizes his sin and guilt.
Modern novels frequently explore themes of burdens in the context of societal expectations and personal choices.

Pop Culture

In many songs, burdened characters express their struggles through lyrics about heartache and responsibility.
Movies often depict heroes overcoming their burdens to achieve greatness, illustrating resilience.
Comics and graphic novels frequently use visual metaphors, such as heavy chains or dark clouds, to show a character feeling burdened.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Sartre discuss the weight of choices as a form of existential burden.
The concept of 'burden of proof' reflects the pressures in arguments and theories.
Understanding life's burdens can lead to personal growth and a deeper awareness of one’s place in the world.

Translations

Translations of the word "burdened" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobrecarregado

🇮🇳 बोझिल

🇩🇪 belastet

🇮🇩 terbebani

🇺🇦 обтяжений

🇵🇱 obciążony

🇯🇵 負担をかけられた (ふたんをかけられた)

🇫🇷 accablé

🇪🇸 cargado

🇹🇷 yüklenmiş

🇰🇷 부담이 되는 (부담이 된)

🇸🇦 مثقل

🇨🇿 zatížený

🇸🇰 zaťažený

🇨🇳 负担 (fùdān)

🇸🇮 obremenjen

🇮🇸 álagður

🇰🇿 жүктелген

🇬🇪 დატვირთული

🇦🇿 yük altında olan

🇲🇽 cargado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,643, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12640 ontological
12641 brightest
12642 brace
12643 burdened
12644 soften
12645 preside
12646 estuary
...