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onus

noun/ˈoʊ.nəs/

definition

a burden or responsibility that is one's duty to manage

example

The onus is on the parents to ensure their children receive a proper education.

synonyms
burdenresponsibilityduty
word origin — Latin 'onus', meaning burden or load

onus, offertory, onomatopoeia, onslaught, opulence: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 174. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. onus · noun/ˈoʊ.nəs/

    a burden or responsibility that is one's duty to manage

    The onus is on the parents to ensure their children receive a proper education.

    Synonyms: burden, responsibility, duty

    Origin: Latin 'onus', meaning burden or load

  2. offertory · noun/ˈɑfərˌtɔri/

    a part of a religious service during which offerings are made

    During the church service, the offertory was interspersed with hymns, inviting the congregation to reflect on their gifts.

    Synonyms: collection, donation, contribution

    Origin: from Latin 'offertorium', meaning 'offering', derived from 'offerre' which means 'to offer'

  3. onomatopoeia · noun/ˌɑnəˌmætəˈpiə/

    the formation of a word by imitating the sound associated with the object or action it refers to

    The children's book was filled with playful onomatopoeia, such as 'buzz' and 'sizzle', which made the story come alive.

    Synonyms: sound symbolism, echoism, phonesthetic word

    Origin: from the Greek 'onomatopoiia', meaning 'making a name' (from 'onoma' meaning 'name' and 'poiein' meaning 'to make')

  4. onslaught · noun/ˈɑn.slɔt/

    a fierce or destructive attack

    The villagers prepared for the onslaught of the invading army, reinforcing their defenses against what seemed to be an inevitable attack.

    Synonyms: assault, attack, barrage

    Origin: The term 'onslaught' originates from the Middle English word 'onslaught' (from 'on' + 'slaught'), which in turn comes from the Old English 'on' (meaning 'upon') and 'slahta' (meaning 'a striking or slaying').

  5. opulence · noun/ˈɑpjələns/

    great wealth or luxuriousness

    The opulence of the mansion was evident in its grand chandeliers and marble floors.

    Synonyms: luxury, affluence, richness

    Origin: from Latin 'opulentia', meaning 'wealth, richness', derived from 'opulent-', the present participle of 'opulere' meaning 'to be rich, to enrich'.