Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Bearing a heavy physical weight or load: Describes something or someone carrying a physically substantial burden.
   • Weighed down with worries or troubles: Describes a state of being mentally or emotionally burdened.

Usage

The adjective "heavy-laden" is used to describe a state of being weighed down, either literally by physical objects or figuratively by responsibilities, worries, or sorrows. It often conveys a sense of strain or difficulty.

Examples

• Literal (Physical Load):

  • The heavy-laden donkey struggled up the steep hill.
  • The shelves were heavy-laden with old books.

• Figurative (Emotional/Mental Burden):

  • She felt heavy-laden with guilt after the argument.
  • "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Advanced Usage

• "heavy-laden with": This is the most common construction, specifying the source of the burden.
  • The branches were heavy-laden with ripe fruit.
  • His mind was heavy-laden with anxiety about the future.

Variants and Related Words

• Laden (adj): Loaded or burdened. "Heavy-laden" is an intensified form.
  • The table was laden with food.
• Burdened (adj): Weighed down with a load or trouble.
• Encumbered (adj): Hindered or weighed down.

Synonyms

• Overloaded
• Weighed down
• Oppressed
• Overburdened

Antonyms

• Unburdened
• Light
• Carefree

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Heavy-laden heart": A heart full of sorrow or worry.
  • He spoke with a heavy-laden heart about the losses they had suffered.

Adjective

1. bearing a physically heavy weight or load
   • tree limbs burdened with ice
   • a heavy-laden cart
   • loaded down with packages
2. burdened by cares
   • all ye that labor and are heavy-laden-Matt.11:28