Does onus mean burden?

Asked by: Milan Hammes  |  Last update: February 11, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (16 votes)

Yes, onus means burden, responsibility, or a difficult obligation, directly from its Latin root meaning "load" or "burden," often used in phrases like "onus probandi" (burden of proof) or to describe a duty placed on someone.

Is the onus a burden?

onuses. a difficult or disagreeable obligation, task, burden, etc. Synonyms: load, duty, weight, responsibility. burden of proof. blame or responsibility.

What does onus actually mean?

Definition & meaning

The term onus refers to a burden or responsibility that falls on an individual or party. It often denotes an obligation that may be considered disagreeable or challenging.

Is onus another word for burden?

English isn't exactly loaded with words that come from Latin onus, but onerous (“difficult and unpleasant to do or deal with”) is one, which is fitting since in addition to being synonymous with “burden,” onus has also long been used to refer to obligations and responsibilities that one may find annoying, taxing, ...

What's the difference between onus and burden?

In simple terms:

Burden of proof is the big responsibility to prove your entire case. Onus of proof is the smaller responsibility to prove a particular fact within that case, which may shift between parties as the trial goes on.

What is the Burden of Proof? (Answer + SECRET example!)

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What is the legal definition of onus?

It means the burden of proof, which requires the accuser to prove the case against the accused. Definitions of onus. noun. a burdensome or difficult concern. synonyms: burden, encumbrance, incumbrance, load.

Is onus of proof the same as burden of proof?

The burden of proof, also known as the onus of proof, refers to the duty of the prosecution to successfully prove the accused's guilt in order to produce a guilty verdict – the defence is not required to prove the accused's innocence, only to disprove the prosecution's assertions.

What is a nicer word for burden?

anxiety concern difficulty duty hardship load onus responsibility strain task tax trouble worry.

What is the opposite of onus?

Antonyms. STRONG. advantage benefit blank blessing exculpation exoneration irresponsibility praise.

What is the Merriam Webster word for onus?

1 : burden. 2 : a disagreeable necessity : obligation. 3 : blame.

Is onus a positive word?

No, onus is generally not considered a positive word; it signifies a burdensome duty, obligation, or responsibility that is often difficult, unpleasant, or unwelcome, like a "burden of proof" (onus probandi) or the "onus is on you" to do something challenging, though taking the onus can imply ownership. It carries a sense of weight, accountability, or even blame rather than benefit. 

What does hoohaa mean in slang?

"Hoo-ha" (or hoo-hah) slang refers to a commotion, fuss, uproar, or unnecessary excitement/drama about something, often trivial; it can also informally mean female genitalia, stemming from older slang or Yiddish roots, but the "fuss" meaning is more common in general English. 

Is "unenroll" a proper word?

Yes, "unenroll" is a widely used and accepted word, meaning to undo an enrollment or to cause someone to be removed from a list, program, or group, though some dictionaries might list it as less formal or primarily used in its forms like "unenrolled". Its British English spelling is "unenrol" and it functions as a verb, just like "enroll". 

What is the literal meaning of burden?

Defined as something you carry or withstand with much difficulty when used as a noun, and as the act of weighing down, overloading, or oppressing when used as a verb, it's a word with a negative charge.

What are the three burdens of proof?

The three main burdens (or standards) of proof in law, from lowest to highest, are Preponderance of the Evidence, required for most civil cases (more likely than not); Clear and Convincing Evidence, used in certain civil matters needing higher certainty; and Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, the strict standard for criminal convictions, meaning near-certainty of guilt.
 

What is the reverse onus burden?

The concept of reverse onus is a shift in burden of proof with the presupposition that the applicant (usually prosecution) will be granted their application by the courts. The onus is on the respondent to make a reasonable application of the rule of law with which the application is incompatible.

What is the synonym of onus?

Synonyms for "onus" include burden, responsibility, obligation, duty, weight, and load, all referring to a difficult task or responsibility that someone must carry, often involving blame or proof, as in the legal phrase "onus probandi" (burden of proof).
 

What do you call a person who is prying?

offensively curious or inquisitive. “prying eyes” synonyms: nosey, nosy, snoopy. curious.

What's a word for not taking accountability?

UNACCOUNTABLE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com.

What is a metaphor for burden?

From this arose the image of an albatross around the neck as metaphor for a burden that is difficult to escape.

Which two words best replace the word burdens?

Synonyms of 'burden' in American English

  • trouble.
  • affliction.
  • millstone.
  • onus.
  • responsibility.
  • strain.
  • weight.
  • worry.

How do you say burden professionally?

To say "burden" professionally, use neutral or positive alternatives like "responsibility," "obligation," "duty," "challenge," or "task," focusing on the role rather than the negative weight; reframe it as a "stewardship," "mission," or "onus" to highlight purpose, or describe the issue more specifically as "financial hardship" or "administrative load," depending on the context. 

Who beats the burden of proof?

In most cases, the burden of proof rests solely on the prosecution, negating the need for a defense of this kind. However, when exceptions arise and the burden of proof has been shifted to the defendant, they are required to establish a defense that bears an "air of reality".

What is the onus in a civil case?

The onus of proof refers to the obligation of a party to prove the allegations they assert. In civil matters, the onus of proof rests on the party making the allegation. For instance, if a Plaintiff alleges negligence, then the onus is on the Plaintiff to prove negligence.

Can someone be convicted without evidence?

No, you cannot be convicted without evidence, but "evidence" includes much more than just DNA or video; witness testimony, confessions, and circumstantial evidence (like being near the scene) can be enough for a conviction if they prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt". A person can be arrested with less evidence (probable cause), but to be convicted, prosecutors must present strong, credible evidence, often relying on witness statements or other forms of indirect proof when physical evidence is lacking.