Definitions
- Describing something that is difficult, challenging, or demanding. - Referring to a task or responsibility that feels heavy or overwhelming. - Talking about a situation or obligation that causes stress or strain.
- Describing a task, duty, or obligation that is excessively demanding or oppressive. - Referring to something that requires a lot of effort, time, or resources. - Talking about a responsibility that feels like a heavy burden or weight.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is difficult or demanding.
- 2Both words convey a sense of heaviness or weight.
- 3Both words can be used to describe tasks, responsibilities, or obligations.
- 4Both words imply that something requires a significant amount of effort or resources.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Burdensome is more commonly used in everyday language, while onerous is more formal and less frequently used.
- 2Connotation: Burdensome has a slightly milder connotation, suggesting something that is challenging but not necessarily oppressive, whereas onerous implies a heavier burden or more oppressive nature.
- 3Formality: Burdensome is considered more informal, suitable for casual conversations or writing, while onerous is more formal and appropriate for professional or academic contexts.
Remember this!
Burdensome and onerous are synonyms that both describe something that is difficult, demanding, or oppressive. However, there are some differences in their usage, connotation, formality, and origin. Burdensome is more commonly used in everyday language and has a slightly milder connotation, while onerous is more formal and implies a heavier burden or more oppressive nature.