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Onus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'onus'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'onus' originated from Latin, where it means 'burden' or 'load'. It entered English in the mid-17th century and has been used primarily in legal and formal contexts to describe a responsibility or obligation placed on someone. The term has retained its original meaning of burden or duty throughout its history.

See also: on, onward.

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.