Burdened: meaning, definitions and examples

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burdened

 

[ ˈbɜːrdənd ]

Verb
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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'burdened' originates from the Middle English word 'burdinen', which means 'to load'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The concept of burdening has been prevalent throughout history, as people have always faced challenges and responsibilities that weigh them down.

See also: burdens, burdensome, overburden, unburden.

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.