burden
BURDN
Burden (noun) means a heavy load, or a difficult responsibility or worry someone has to carry. Example: “Caring for both parents became a heavy burden on her.”
noun
1
A heavy load, or a difficult responsibility or worry someone has to carry.
"Caring for both parents became a heavy burden on her."
"The new tax law placed an extra burden on small businesses."
"The heavy rucksack was a real burden on the long uphill walk."
verb
1
To load someone down, literally or figuratively, with a burden.
"Please don't burden the donkey with too many heavy bags."
"Try not to burden yourself with worrying about the tiny details."
"He didn't want to burden his friends with his problems."
How to use burden
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething heavy to carry, whether it's a physical load or a worry, duty, or responsibility.
Common pairings
burden of proof
financial burden
burden someone with
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Word forms
- Plural
- burdens
- Third person singular
- burdens
- Past tense
- burdened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Caring for both parents became a heavy _____ on her.
Etymology
From Old English byrþen, related to "bear" in the sense of "to carry".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for burden
See all rhymes for burden →Frequently asked questions
What does “burden” mean?
The word “burden” means a heavy load, or a difficult responsibility or worry someone has to carry. In plain terms, something heavy to carry, whether it's a physical load or a worry, duty, or responsibility.
How do you pronounce “burden”?
“Burden” is pronounced BURDN (/ˈbɝdn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “burden” in a sentence?
Here is “burden” used in a sentence: “Caring for both parents became a heavy burden on her.”
What part of speech is “burden”?
Depending on how it is used, “burden” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “burden” come from?
The word “burden” comes from Old English. From Old English byrþen, related to "bear" in the sense of "to carry".
Is “burden” a common word?
“Burden” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “burden” have?
“Burden” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a heavy load, or a difficult responsibility or worry someone has to carry.
What is the difference between a burden and a load?
A load is simply the weight or quantity of something being carried, and it is usually neutral. A burden is a load felt as heavy or difficult, and it often carries a figurative sense of a hardship, responsibility, or worry that weighs someone down emotionally.
Is 'burden' used more as a noun or a verb?
Burden is most often used as a noun, meaning a heavy load or a difficult responsibility. As a verb it means to load someone down with such a load, and it is frequently seen in the passive, as in 'burdened with debt' or 'don't want to burden you'.
What words commonly go with 'burden'?
Burden frequently pairs with verbs like carry, bear, ease, share, and lift, and with adjectives like heavy, financial, and emotional. Common fixed phrases include 'burden of proof', 'tax burden', and 'a burden on someone'.
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