Load Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📦
Add to dictionary

load

[loʊd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computing

A load refers to the amount of data being transferred over a network or processed by a system at a particular time.

Synonyms

burden, demand, strain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
load

Used to describe a quantity of items or weight being carried or transported. Often used in contexts involving physical effort or capacity.

  • He carried a heavy load of bricks to the construction site.
  • The truck has a maximum load capacity of five tons.
burden

Implies a weight or responsibility that is difficult to bear. Often used in emotional or psychological contexts.

  • Caring for her elderly parents became a heavy burden for her.
  • He felt the burden of guilt after the incident.
strain

Indicates a state of being stretched to the limit, either physically, mentally, or emotionally. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The long hours of work put a strain on his health.
  • There was a strain in their relationship due to constant arguments.
demand

Refers to a strong request, need, or requirement. Typically used in situations where someone requires immediate attention or action.

  • The manager made a demand for higher productivity from the team.
  • There is a high demand for skilled workers in the tech industry.

Examples of usage

  • The website crashed due to a high load on the server.
  • The load on the network slowed down the internet speed.
Context #2 | Verb

transport

To load means to put goods or passengers onto a vehicle for transportation.

Synonyms

fill, pack, stuff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
load

Used when talking about placing items into something like a vehicle, machine, or container, especially in large quantities or as part of a process.

  • He needs to load the truck before starting the delivery
  • Please load the laundry into the washing machine
fill

Used when talking about making something full by adding contents to it, often up to the brim.

  • She filled the glass with water
  • I need to fill the form before submitting it
pack

Used when talking about placing items neatly and orderly into containers, especially for travel or storage.

  • She packed her bags for the trip
  • Please pack the fragile items carefully
stuff

Used informally to describe putting a large quantity of something into a tight or confined space, often in a careless or hasty manner. Generally has a casual or sometimes negative connotation.

  • He stuffed his clothes into the suitcase at the last minute
  • She stuffed the cookies into her mouth

Examples of usage

  • The workers loaded the boxes onto the truck.
  • She loaded her luggage onto the airplane.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Physics

  • In physics, the term refers to the weight or force that is applied to an object; this is crucial for understanding structures and engineering.
  • Loads can be static (like a building's weight) or dynamic (like cars driving over a bridge), impacting how structures are designed.

Pop Culture

  • 'Load' is often used in video gaming to refer to the process of opening a game or starting a level.
  • The phrase 'load up' has become popular in various songs and movies, indicating preparation for an adventure or challenge.

Technology

  • In computing, loading refers to the process of transferring data into a system, such as loading a webpage or application from the internet.
  • Load balancing is a crucial aspect of server management, distributing workloads evenly to ensure efficient performance.

Psychology

  • The cognitive load theory suggests that working memory has a limited capacity, and too much information can make learning harder.
  • Managing load, both physical and mental, is essential for our well-being and can affect stress levels and productivity.

Origin of 'load'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'load' comes from Old English 'hladan', which means to 'unload' or 'to carry'.
  • It has been used in English texts since before the 1300s, indicating something that is borne or carried.

The word 'load' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'lād,' meaning a way, journey, or course. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the concept of burden or cargo to be carried. The term has been used in various contexts, from transportation to computing, reflecting its adaptability and relevance in different fields.


See also: download, downloader, loaded, offload, overload, unload, upload.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,536, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.