burden
A burden is a heavy load that one is required to carry, either physically or metaphorically as a responsibility or worry that causes hardship. In academic contexts, it often refers to the weight of obligations such as taxes, duties, or the requirement to prove a claim.
Examples
3 of 5The physical burden of carrying the water buckets was exhausting for the hikers.
The heavy weight of the water buckets made the hikers very tired.
The country struggled to manage the heavy financial burden caused by the rising national debt.
The nation had a hard time dealing with the large amount of money it owed.
I hate to be a burden, but could you give me a ride to the airport tomorrow?
I don't want to cause you any trouble or extra work, but can you drive me?
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'bear'. You 'bear' a 'burden'. Both words start with 'B' and describe the act of carrying something heavy.
Quick Quiz
The sudden increase in energy prices has placed a significant financial ___ on many small businesses.
Correct!
The correct answer is: burden
Examples
The physical burden of carrying the water buckets was exhausting for the hikers.
everydayThe heavy weight of the water buckets made the hikers very tired.
The country struggled to manage the heavy financial burden caused by the rising national debt.
formalThe nation had a hard time dealing with the large amount of money it owed.
I hate to be a burden, but could you give me a ride to the airport tomorrow?
informalI don't want to cause you any trouble or extra work, but can you drive me?
Academic research often focuses on the disproportionate tax burden placed on low-income families.
academicStudies often look at the unfair amount of tax that poor families are required to pay.
The administrative burden of the new regulations has significantly increased the company's operating costs.
businessThe extra paperwork required by the new rules has made the company spend more money.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
burden of proof
the necessity to prove a statement in a court of law or an argument
be a burden to someone
to cause someone else extra work, expense, or worry
be burdened with
to be carrying a heavy physical weight or a difficult mental responsibility
Often Confused With
Boredom is the state of feeling weary because of lack of interest, while burden is a heavy load or duty.
A boarder is a person who pays for a room and meals, whereas burden is a weight or strain.
Usage Notes
Burden can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it is frequently used in the passive voice, such as 'to be burdened with debt' or 'to be burdened by expectations'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'burden to' someone as a verb incorrectly; the correct verb pattern is 'to burden someone with something'.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'bear'. You 'bear' a 'burden'. Both words start with 'B' and describe the act of carrying something heavy.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'byrthen', which is related to the verb 'beran', meaning 'to bear' or 'to carry'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The concept of the 'burden of proof' is a foundational principle in many Western legal systems, where the prosecution must prove a defendant's guilt.
Quick Quiz
The sudden increase in energy prices has placed a significant financial ___ on many small businesses.
Correct!
The correct answer is: burden
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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