What is burden? Pronunciation and usage in English

burden means . Learn how to pronounce and use burden through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of burden

burdennoun

/ˈbɜːdn//ˈbɜːrdn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "burden" in English. Here's a detailed explanation:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˈbɜːr.dən/

Breakdown:

  • ˈbɜːr – This is the first syllable.
    • ˈb – The "b" sound is as you'd expect – a hard "b" sound. It's stressed (indicated by the apostrophe).
    • ɜː – This is the tricky part! This represents a “schwa” sound. The schwa is a very relaxed, neutral vowel sound. It’s often described as a short, unstressed "uh" sound. Think of the "a" in "about" or "a" in "sofa." It's kind of like you're softening the sound.
  • dən – This is the second syllable.
    • d – A simple "d" sound.
    • ən – This is another schwa sound - the "uh" sound again.

Putting it together:

Say it slowly: “Bur - uh - don”

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • The “Bur” part: Really focus on making that “uh” sound – it’s very relaxed. Don’t try to force a strong “er” sound like you might in “bird.”
  • The “Don” part: Keep the “uh” sound light and quick.

Resources for Hearing It:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "burden"?

Usage and examples with the word burden in English

Let's break down how to use the word "burden" effectively in English. It’s a versatile word with several different meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown of its uses, with examples:

1. As a Heavy Load (Literal & Figurative)

  • Literal: This is the most straightforward meaning – something that’s difficult to carry or lift.

    • Example: "The heavy boxes were a burden to carry up the stairs."
    • Example: "He struggled to lift the fallen tree, it was a terrible burden."

  • Figurative (Emotional/Psychological): This is where "burden" becomes more nuanced. It refers to something that causes distress, sorrow, or difficulty – often something you carry emotionally.

    • Example: "The grief of losing her husband was a crushing burden."
    • Example: “Taking care of her sick mother was a constant burden.”
    • Example: "He felt a burden to his family, constantly working to provide for them."

2. As a Responsibility or Obligation

  • This refers to something you have to do, often something demanding or unpleasant.
    • Example: "Being a single parent is a huge burden."
    • Example: “The company has a burden to act ethically and responsibly.” (Here, "burden" implies a duty.)
    • Example: "The responsibility for caring for the children fell heavily on his shoulders, a real burden."

3. As a Hindrance or Obstacle

  • This implies something that slows you down or prevents you from achieving something.
    • Example: "The outdated technology was a burden to the company’s operations.” (It hinders progress)
    • Example: "His poor health was a burden to the team’s performance."

4. (Less Common) As a Negative Influence

  • Sometimes, “burden” can describe someone who is a negative influence on others. This usage can be quite strong.
    • Example: "He was a burden to his friends, always asking for favors." (This suggests he's a drain on their time and resources).

Key Considerations & How to Use it Effectively:

  • Tone: “Burden” often carries a negative connotation. It implies something difficult, painful, or unwelcome.
  • Stronger Alternatives: Consider alternatives like “responsibility,” “difficulty,” “challenge,” “pressure,” or “strain” depending on the nuance you want to convey.
  • Figurative Language: The figurative uses of “burden” are very common and powerful. They allow you to express deep emotions or weighty obligations.

Let's look at some examples combining these uses:

  • "After his father's death, he felt a profound burden of responsibility to care for his family." (Responsibility + Emotional)
  • “The tax laws were a burden on small businesses, making it difficult to compete.” (Hindrance + Responsibility)
  • “She carried the burden of guilt over the accident, never quite forgiving herself.” (Emotional)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., essay, story, email, etc.)
  • What is the specific context you're trying to use "burden" in? (e.g., describing a person's feelings, a difficult situation, a challenge, etc.)

Synonyms for the word burden

Idioms of the word burden

the jury is (still) out on something
used when you are saying that something is still not certain
  • The jury is still out on whether wine can be good for you.

Practice with vocabulary burden

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The extensive paperwork often feels like a significant ____ for small businesses trying to innovate.
  2. She carried the emotional ____ of her family's financial struggles for years, impacting her own career progression.
  3. Delegating this critical ____ to a junior team member requires careful oversight and mentorship.
  4. The constant ____ to meet ambitious sales targets can be exhausting for even the most experienced professionals.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words can describe a heavy obligation or a difficult responsibility? a) burden b) perk c) amenity d) liability e) encumbrance

  2. The manager felt the new regulatory compliance was an immense ____ on his already limited resources. a) asset b) relief c) burden d) benefit

  3. Which words describe something that causes difficulty, stress, or requires significant effort? a) advantage b) hardship c) strain d) burden e) boon

  4. When you commit to a major undertaking, you accept a significant ____ to see it through successfully. a) triviality b) exemption c) freedom d) duty e) oversight

  5. The task of compiling the quarterly financial report proved to be quite ____, requiring long hours and meticulous attention to detail. a) effortless b) straightforward c) arduous d) simple e) undemanding

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The heavy workload made it hard for the team to focus on new initiatives.

    • (Rewrite using "burden")

  2. Having to manage all aspects of the international project by herself proved to be very difficult for her.

    • (Rewrite using "burden" or a related word form)

  3. The responsibility of ensuring all departmental safety regulations are met falls squarely on the operations manager.

    • (Rewrite without using "burden" or any related forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. burden
  2. burden
  3. responsibility
  4. pressure

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) burden, d) liability, e) encumbrance
  2. c) burden
  3. b) hardship, c) strain, d) burden
  4. d) duty
  5. c) arduous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The heavy workload became a burden on the team, making it hard to focus on new initiatives.
  2. Managing all aspects of the international project by herself was an immense burden for her.
  3. The operations manager is solely accountable for ensuring all departmental safety regulations are met.

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