onus etymology

Etymology

The word "onus" comes from the Latin word "onus," which means "burden" or "load."

Meaning

  • Primary meaning: A duty, responsibility, or obligation that is imposed or undertaken.
  • Secondary meanings:
    • A burden or responsibility that weighs heavily on someone.
    • A disadvantage or liability that makes something difficult or unpleasant.
    • A proof or evidence that must be presented or provided.

Origin

The Latin word "onus" is related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₁enǵʰ-," which means "to weigh down" or "to load." This root is also found in other words such as "anchor," "ankle," and "heavy."

Examples of Usage

  • "The company had the onus of proving that the product was safe for use."
  • "The burden of childcare often falls on women."
  • "The new regulations placed a heavy onus on businesses."
  • "The prosecutor had the onus of presenting a strong case against the defendant."
  • "The car's poor fuel economy was an onus that made it less desirable to buy."

onus relate terms

  • exonerate

    Etymology The word exonerate comes from the Latin word exonerare meaning to unload

  • onus

    Etymology The word onus comes from the Latin word onus which means burden or load

  • onerous

    Etymology Latin onerōsus From onus burden ōsus suffix indicating full o

  • onus

    Etymology The word onus comes from the Latin word onus which means burden or load

  • burden

    Etymology The word burden comes from the Old English word byrðen meaning load or

  • load

    Etymology Origin Ancient Greek etymos meaning true or real Meaning The study o

  • concern

    Etymology Old French concerner to belong to concern Latin contingere to happen o

  • worry

    Etymology 1500s Borrowed from Middle English wurgen to strangle from Old English wy

  • pill

    Etymology The word pill comes from the Latin word pila which means ball Meaning

  • imposition

    Etymology From Middle French imposition from Latin impositio a placing on impositio

  • pagan

    Etymology The term pagan derives from the Latin word paganus meaning country dweller

  • brand

    Brand Etymology Meaning and Origin Etymology The word brand derives from the Old Nor

  • Spam

    Etymology The term spam is a portmanteau of spiced ham a canned meat product sold b