Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Onus

//ˈəʊnəs// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A legal obligation. countable, uncountable

    "The onus is on the landlord to make sure the walls are protected from mildew."

  2. 2
    plural of ONU form-of, plural
  3. 3
    an onerous or difficult concern wordnet
  4. 4
    Burden of proof, onus probandi. countable, uncountable

    "The argument is founded on a principle which is now acknowledged to be universal; and the onus of disproof must lie with those who may be bold enough to take up the position that a region exists where at last the Principle of Continuity fails."

  5. 5
    Stigma. countable, uncountable

    "Geraldine evades the onus of ambition by subordinating it to the service of her family, and escapes the onus of sexuality by bodily mutilation"

Show 2 more definitions
  1. 6
    Blame. countable, uncountable

    "... what might be called "onus-shifting" — each side trying to make a record and place blame on the other for the division of Europe and the Cold War itself."

  2. 7
    Responsibility; burden. countable, uncountable

    "The onus is on those who disagree with my proposal to explain why."

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₃enh₂- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *h₃énh₂os Proto-Italic *onos Latin onuslbor. English onus Learned borrowing from Latin onus (literally “burden”).

See also for "onus"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: onus