burden

//ˈbɜːrdən//
B2Frequency Level 7Neutral
Visual representation of burden

Noun

burdenSingular
burdensPlural
1

A heavy load that is difficult to carry or transport.

The donkey carried a heavy burden up the mountain.

2

A duty, responsibility, or problem that causes difficulty, worry, or hard work.

The financial burden of caring for elderly parents can be overwhelming.

3

The main theme or message of a speech or piece of writing.

The burden of his speech was the need for educational reform.

Verb

burdenInfinitive
burdenPresent tense
burdenedPast tense
burdenedPast participle
burdeningPresent participle
burdensThird-person singular
1

To load someone or something heavily with weight or cargo.

The donkey was burdened with heavy bags of grain.

2

To cause someone worry, hardship, or distress by imposing a responsibility or problem.

I don't want to burden you with my problems.

burden - Deep Vocabulary