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Onus

Noun CEFR B1
ˈəʊnəs

Definitions

  1. A legal obligation.
  2. Burden of proof, onus probandi.
  3. Stigma.
  4. Blame.
  5. Responsibility; burden.

Equivalents

22 more languages

Examples

“The onus is on the landlord to make⟳ sure the walls are protected from mildew.”
“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.”
“Geraldine evades the onus of ambition by subordinating it to the service of her family, and escapes the onus of sexuality by bodily mutilation”
“... 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.”
“The onus is on those who disagree with my proposal to explain⟳ why.”
“The onus isn't on us to produce⟳ something great every time. The onus is on the public to decide⟳ whether they like⟳ it or not.”
“This throws the onus on freight operators' train⟳ planners to devise ingenious solutions to finding new paths.”
““A lot of the quarterbacks in this day and age, they try⟳ to take⟳ advantage of the rule⟳ where they slide⟳ late, and they try⟳ to get⟳ an extra yard. And now you’re a defender, a lot of onus is on the defender, right?””

CEFR level

B1
Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B1 vocabulary — intermediate level.
See all B1 English words →

See also

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