Burdensome - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

'Burdensome' describes something that is difficult to bear or carry, either physically or emotionally. 🎒 Think of carrying a heavy backpack up a steep hill or having a responsibility that weighs you down. It implies a heavy load or a significant obligation. 'Burdensome' suggests that something is causing stress or difficulty. It's similar to 'onerous' but often implies a physical weight. It's the opposite of easy or effortless. A 'burdensome' task drains your energy.

Etymology

The word 'burdensome' comes from 'burden' with the addition of the suffix '-some,' meaning 'tending to cause.' 'Burden' itself comes from Old English 'byrden,' meaning 'load, weight.' The suffix '-some' is common in English to form adjectives. The term has a long history of describing physical and metaphorical loads. It reflects the experience of carrying heavy things.

Related Words

Examples

  • "The paperwork was burdensome and time-consuming."
  • "He found the responsibilities of his new job burdensome."
  • "The heavy traffic made the commute burdensome."
  • "She felt the weight of the secret was burdensome."

Anecdote / Story

Think of Frodo carrying the Ring in 'Lord of the Rings'. The Ring is the ultimate 'burdensome' object, both physically and emotionally. It weighs him down and corrupts him. Also consider Katniss Everdeen in 'The Hunger Games' burdened by the responsibility of leading a revolution.

Encouragement

Use 'burdensome' to describe things that feel heavy or difficult to bear. It's a strong word to convey a sense of strain or obligation. Enrich your vocabulary with this impactful term! 🏋️‍♀️

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