Burden
/ˈbɜːrdən/
Definitions
2 meaningsA load, especially a heavy one.
/ˈbɜːrdən/
Something difficult or heavy to carry or deal with.
The burden of proof is on the defendant.
💡 Simply: Something that is difficult to deal with.
More Examples
She carried the burden of her family's financial problems.
How It's Used
"The burden of responsibility fell heavily upon her shoulders."
"The company is struggling under a heavy burden of debt."
To weigh down or oppress.
/ˈbɜːrdən/
To impose a burden on someone or something.
The extra work burdened him.
💡 Simply: To put a heavy load on someone or something.
More Examples
Don't burden your friends with your problems.
How It's Used
"Don't burden yourself with unnecessary worries."
Idioms & expressions
burden of proof
The obligation to prove a fact or statement.
"The burden of proof rests with the prosecution."
From Old English *byrdene, from Proto-Germanic *burþan, from Proto-Indo-European *bher- ('to carry').
The word 'burden' has been used in a similar sense since Old English, often referring to literal physical weights.
Memory tip
Imagine a donkey carrying a heavy BURDEN on its back.