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burden
1[ bur-dn ]
/ ˈbɜr dn /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
verb (used with object)
to load heavily.
to load oppressively; trouble.
OTHER WORDS FOR burden
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Question 1 of 7
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Origin of burden
1First recorded before 1000; Middle English, birthen, birden, Old English byrthen; akin to German Bürde, Gothic baurthei; see also bear1
synonym study for burden
1. See load.
OTHER WORDS FROM burden
bur·den·er, nounbur·den·less, adjectiveWords nearby burden
Burchfield, Burckhardt, bur clover, bur cucumber, burd, burden, burdened, burden of proof, burdensome, burdizzo, burdock
Other definitions for burden (2 of 2)
burden2
[ bur-dn ]
/ ˈbɜr dn /
noun
the main point, message, or idea.
Music. the refrain or recurring chorus of a song.
Origin of burden
2First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English bordoun, burdoun “drone, bass,” from Old French bourdon “droning sound, instrument making such a sound”
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use burden in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for burden (1 of 2)
burden1
/ (ˈbɜːdən) /
noun
something that is carried; load
something that is exacting, oppressive, or difficult to bearthe burden of responsibility Related adjective: onerous
nautical
- the cargo capacity of a ship
- the weight of a ship's cargo
verb (tr)
(sometimes foll by up) to put or impose a burden on; load
to weigh down; oppressthe old woman was burdened with cares
Word Origin for burden
Old English byrthen; related to beran to bear 1, Old Frisian berthene burden, Old High German burdin
British Dictionary definitions for burden (2 of 2)
burden2
/ (ˈbɜːdən) /
noun
a line of words recurring at the end of each verse of a ballad or similar song; chorus or refrain
the principal or recurrent theme of a speech, book, etc
another word for bourdon
Word Origin for burden
C16: from Old French bourdon bass horn, droning sound, of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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