Burdened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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burdened
[ˈbɜːrdənd ]
Definitions
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| burdened |
This word is used when someone feels heavy emotional or physical stress or responsibility.
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| impose |
This word is appropriate when you are forcing a duty, tax, or unwelcome burden on someone. It often has a negative connotation.
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| load |
Suitable for situations involving physical weight or carrying a large amount of something.
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| encumber |
Use this term in formal contexts when something restricts or hinders motion or progress.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'burdened'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
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.