Onus: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.