Onus: meaning, definitions and examples

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onus

[ˈoʊnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal responsibility

A burden or responsibility that someone is required to bear. It is often used in legal contexts to refer to a duty or obligation placed on a person.

Synonyms

burden, duty, responsibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
onus	This word is used in formal situations to refer to the responsibility or duty to do something, often indicating a burden or extra effort required by someone. The onus is on you to prove your point. The onus of completing this project falls on the new manager.
burden	Use this word when referring to something that causes distress, difficulty, or worry. It often has a negative connotation, implying that the responsibility is heavy or bothersome. Caring for his elderly parents has become a real burden for him. He felt the burden of debt weighing heavily on his shoulders.
responsibility	This word is commonly used in various contexts to describe the state of having a job or role where you are accountable for something. It does not necessarily imply a negative or heavy aspect. She has a lot of responsibilities at work. Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility.
duty	This term is often used in formal or professional settings to describe a moral or legal obligation to perform a task or role. It carries a sense of obligation or loyalty. It is your duty as a citizen to vote. He felt it was his duty to help his neighbor in need.

Examples of usage

The onus is on the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The onus of maintaining the property falls on the landlord.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

blame or obligation

The blame or obligation placed on someone for a particular situation or action. It can also refer to the weight of proof in a legal case.

Synonyms

blame, obligation, responsibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
onus	This term is typically used to express a heavy burden or duty placed on someone to do something, often within issues of moral or legal responsibility. The onus is on the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt. The onus of organizing the event fell on the committee.
blame	Utilized when assigning fault or responsibility for something bad or unfortunate that has happened. It carries a negative connotation. He was quick to blame his colleagues for the project's failure. The company took the blame for the environmental disaster.
obligation	Used to express a moral or legal duty to do something. This word does not carry the heavy intensity of burden implied by 'onus'. Parents have an obligation to educate their children. You have no legal obligation to answer these questions.
responsibility	This term is broader and more neutral, used to refer to a state of being accountable for something within various contexts including professional, personal, and social. It's your responsibility to take care of the facilities. She took full responsibility for the mistake.

Examples of usage

She felt the onus of her team's failure rested on her shoulders.
The onus of explaining the discrepancies falls on the accountant.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin, where 'onus' means 'burden' or 'load'.
It was adopted into English in the late 19th century, maintaining its meaning related to responsibility.
Similar words in other languages, like 'onus' in French, also convey the idea of a burden.

Law

In legal terms, 'onus' often refers to the ‘onus of proof’ which is the obligation to prove allegations in court.
Different types of onus exist in law, such as the 'onus of persuasion' and 'onus of production', which detail who must do what.
The concept emphasizes accountability in legal proceedings and reflects the importance of evidence.

Psychology

In psychology, understanding 'onus' can relate to concepts of responsibility in decision-making and stress management.
Research shows that higher perceived responsibility can lead to increased anxiety for some individuals.
However, feeling a sense of onus can also empower people, motivating them to take action.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'the onus is on you' is commonly used in music and movies, suggesting that the responsibility lies with the individual.
In popular TV shows, characters frequently face dilemmas where the onus of a decision leads to dramatic plot twists.
Songs often explore themes of personal responsibility, driving home the message that our choices define who we are.

Education

In educational settings, 'onus' often refers to the responsibility of teachers to provide a safe and effective learning environment.
Students also experience 'onus' regarding their own learning, as they are encouraged to take responsibility for their studies.
Classroom discussions often focus on the shared onus of learning between educators and learners.

Translations

Translations of the word "onus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ônus

🇮🇳 दायित्व

🇩🇪 Bürde

🇮🇩 beban

🇺🇦 тягар

🇵🇱 ciężar

🇯🇵 負担

🇫🇷 fardeau

🇪🇸 carga

🇹🇷 yük

🇰🇷 무거운 짐

🇸🇦 عبء

🇨🇿 břemeno

🇸🇰 bremeno

🇨🇳 负担

🇸🇮 breme

🇮🇸 byrði

🇰🇿 жүк

🇬🇪 ტვირთი

🇦🇿 yük

🇲🇽 carga

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,762, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16759 tiresome
16760 fluctuate
16761 ductile
16762 onus
16763 archipelago
16764 unsatisfied
16765 dissociated
...