Question

Choose the option which best expresses the meaning of the given word
ONEROUS
A. Simple
B. Awesome
C. Burdensome
D. Dutiful

Answer 1

Hint: We know that words have several meanings depending on its context. Likewise, the word onerous also has different meanings.

Complete answer:
Onerous refers to something which is troublesome or laborious, commonly because of its annoying or tedious nature. The origin of the word is of late Middle English from the old French word “onereus”. Let us look at an example.
“This is a much more onerous and depressing task.”
Let us go through the meaning of the words given as option to find the option which best expresses the meaning of the word onerous.

A. Simple: It refers to something that it is not complicated, and is therefore easy to understand. The origin of the word is of Middle English from Old French, from Latin word “simplus “. Let us look at an example here.
“He ate a simple dinner of rice and beans.”

B. Awesome: It refers to something that is very impressive and often frightening. The origin of the word is from late 16th century (in the sense ‘filled with awe’), from awe and some. Let us look at an example here for understanding it better.
“It must have been an awesome sight.”

C. Burdensome: It refers to something that is worrying or hard to deal with. Its origin is in 1570s, earlier it was “burdenous”. This is the correct answer as it expresses the meaning of ‘onerous’ best. Let us look at an example.
“A text is far easier, quicker, and less burdensome.”

D. Dutiful: It refers to someone who do everything that they are expected to do. The origin of the word is in 1550s, popularly during the Elizabethan era. Let us look at an example.
“She is the model of a loyal, dutiful wife.”


Note: If you're ever conflicted with the definitions of the word, look for proper guidance in a dictionary always. You may also look in the Thesaurus to get the correct answer to the question, to find out the similar words.