2 syllables: la, den. Stress on la.
LAY-duhn
/ˈleɪdən/
laden is pronounced LAY-duhn (/ˈleɪdən/). It has two syllables (la-den), with the stress on "la". Laden is an adjective meaning heavily loaded or burdened. It often describes something that carries a heavy load or weight, or figuratively a burden, such as feelings or responsibilities. The term typically conveys fullness or encumbrance and can imply that the load is burdensome or excessive.
Laden is an adjective meaning heavily loaded or burdened. It often describes something that carries a heavy load or weight, or figuratively a burden, such as feelings or responsibilities. The term typically conveys fullness or encumbrance and can imply that the load is burdensome or excessive.
"The cart was laden with apples after the harvest."
"She walked slowly, her arms laden with packages."
"Reports were laden with errors, requiring a careful review."
Pronounce as /ˈleɪ.dən/. The primary stress is on the first syllable LA, followed by a reduced second syllable. The vowel in the first syllable is a long A (as in 'lay'), and the second syllable uses a schwa or a reduced vowel /ə/. Tip: start with the mouth open for /eɪ/ and then relax the jaw for /ən/. Reference audio: you can compare with dictionaries that provide native recordings for /ˈleɪ.dən/.
Common errors include over-pronouncing the second syllable as a full /ən/ instead of a reduced /ɪn/ or /ən/ depending on dialect, and misplacing the primary stress as LA-den vs. la-DEN. Some learners also mispronounce the initial vowel as a short /e/ or /ɛ/ instead of /eɪ/. Correction: keep /ˈleɪ/ as a single stressed syllable with a long A sound, then reduce the final syllable to /ən/ or /n̩/ when fluent.
In US/UK/AU, the initial /ˈleɪ/ remains similar with the long A, but rhotic influence matters: US tends to have a more rhotic vowel environment in surrounding syllables, though 'laden' itself is non-rhotic in British English; the final /n/ remains alveolar in all. Australian English often features a slightly more centralized vowel in certain contexts, but /ˈleɪ.dən/ is generally consistent across these varieties. Accent-specific differences are subtle, mainly in vowel quality around the stressed syllable.
The challenge lies in producing a clear, prolonged /eɪ/ diphthong in the first syllable while keeping the second syllable reduced and unstressed. Learners often transfer their native word tempo, delaying the second syllable or adding an extra syllable (la-den vs lay-den). It also requires precise tongue body position to glide from /eɪ/ into a fast, relaxed /ən/. Focus on keeping a clean boundary between the stressed first syllable and the schwa-like second.
A unique aspect is the strong, clean onset of the stressed syllable /ˈleɪ/. You won’t hear an extra vowel before the /l/; begin with a clear onset /l/ followed by the diphthong /eɪ/. The second syllable is often linked in connected speech, but you should still hear a light schwa or a reduced vowel, not a full vowel. This distinction helps avoid mispronunciations like ‘lade-den’.
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Laden originates from the Old English word laedan, related to the verb laedan meaning to lade or to load. It shares roots with the German laden and Dutch lading, all tied to the concept of loading or burdening. The sense of “burden” or “heavy with cargo” evolved in Middle English as trade and transport expanded, with phrases like laden ship or laden wagon becoming common in nautical and mercantile contexts. The word appears in texts from the 13th century onward, frequently describing ships or carts carrying substantial cargo. Over time, laden also took on figurative uses, describing things that are burdened with responsibilities, emotions, or excessive content. The core idea remains the same: something heavy or overburdened by what it carries, whether physical objects or abstract loads.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "laden" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "laden" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "laden" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "laden"
-den sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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