YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

onus

Noun

IPA /ˈəʊnəs/

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Meaning in plain English

The responsibility for doing something or making sure it happens.

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Pronunciation

onus/ˈəʊnəs/

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You borrow your neighbour's tools
You are responsible for returning them

The onus is on you: the responsibility is yours.

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Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

The onus is on me to return the borrowed tools.
The onus is on the researcher to explain the evidence clearly.

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Quick word quiz

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The ________ is on me to return the borrowed tools.

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onus — The responsibility for doing something or making sure it happens.

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The responsibility for doing something or making sure it happens.

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Word origin

Borrowed from Latin onus, meaning burden.

Did you know?

The onus is on someone to do something is the main pattern.

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