Etymology Map
Back to all words

Onus

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a duty or responsibility

Where does the word "onus" come from? It comes from Latin onus, adopted directly into English (1640s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
onus
Latin · ancient
"burden"
related to Sanskrit 'anas', cart
2
Stage 2 of 2
onus
English · 1640s
"burden"
'onus of proof' is a legal phrase
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Onus’s story begins in Latin: onus meant “burden.” Related to Sanskrit 'anas', cart. It reached English by 1640s as onus. 'onus of proof' is a legal phrase. Today, onus means a duty or responsibility.