Words / B1

BURDN/ˈbɜːdn/

A burden is a heavy load, or a duty that is hard to carry: a financial burden; burden of proof; share the burden. Load is more physical; responsibility can be neutral rather than heavy. Burden as a verb: burden someone with extra work. Burdensome is a formal adjective. Do not use burden for a light everyday task like posting a letter.

Meaning

A heavy load, or a duty or problem that is hard to deal with.

Examples

• “Looking after the house alone was a burden.”
• “Rising rents have become a financial burden for graduates.”
• “They shared the burden of caring for their parents.”

Good to know

a financial burden. share / ease the burden. Verb: burden someone with. Physical twin: load. Neutral: responsibility.

Near in meaning

load

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