The Word "Laden"

Definition

The word laden is an adjective meaning heavily loaded or weighed down. It can refer to physical burden or be used in a metaphorical sense to describe an emotional state or situation.

Origin and Etymology

The term laden comes from the Middle English word laden, the past participle of lade, which means to load or burden. The origins can be traced back to Old English ladian, which also means to carry or to load.

Usage and Examples

Laden can be used in various contexts:

• Physical Context: "The cargo ship was laden with goods from across the globe."
• Emotional Context: "He walked with a laden heart, burdened by the news."
• Descriptive Context: "The tree was laden with ripe fruits, ready for harvest."

Synonyms

Some synonyms for laden include:

• Burdened
• Heavily loaded
• Weighted
• Full

Related Terms

Related phrases include:

• Laden with: Often used to express being overweight or burdened by something, e.g., "She felt laden with responsibility."
• Laden ship: Refers to a ship that is loaded with cargo for transport.