WordGarden.ioweigh
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈeɪ/
US
- /ˈweɪ/
Meanings
Verb
to determine how heavy something is, or to have a stated weight
to think carefully about facts, options, or consequences
to have importance or influence in a judgment or outcome
More meaningsFewer meanings
to burden someone mentally or emotionally
Beyond the definition
We all know "weigh" from stepping on a scale. It means finding out how heavy something is. But "weigh" is not just for scales. It also means to think carefully about a choice, like when you weigh your options before choosing a college. A serious problem can also weigh on someone's mind, meaning it causes worry or stress. So, whether it is apples in a grocery bag or an important choice in life, "weigh" is about judging heaviness, importance, or pressure.
The word "weigh" has a fascinating duality—it speaks to both physical mass and mental consideration. Most commonly, we understand "weigh" as the act of measuring how heavy something is using a scale: "The package weighed five pounds," or "She weighs 120 pounds." In this sense, it focuses on quantifying the gravitational force acting upon an object.
However, "weigh" also carries powerful metaphorical value. When you weigh your options, you're not literally putting them on a scale! Instead, you're carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages of each choice before making a decision. For instance, "He weighed the risks before accepting the job." You might also hear someone "weigh in" on a topic, which means they are adding their opinion or influence to a discussion.
Furthermore, something can weigh heavily on someone's mind or heart—meaning it causes worry, sadness, or a feeling of being pressured. "The news of her illness weighed heavily on him." This usage suggests an emotional burden. You might also say a factor "carries significant weight" when it is particularly important or influential in a decision-making process.
Historically, the word comes from the Old English wegan, which meant to carry, move, or measure by weight. Over time, its meaning expanded from the literal act of lifting something to the abstract idea of assessing its value and significance. Whether you're measuring ingredients for a recipe, pondering a difficult choice, or feeling burdened by a secret, "weigh" is a versatile word that connects physical heaviness with mental and emotional assessment.
Examples
- 1
Object weight
This suitcase weighs nearly twenty kilos.
- 2
Food shopping
She weighed the tomatoes before putting them in a bag.
- 3
Baby checkup
The nurse weighed the baby during the checkup.
- 4
Business risk
He spent the weekend weighing the risks of starting his own business.
- Patternweigh + risks/problems
think carefully about possible problems
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Decision making
We need to weigh up the pros and cons before we decide.
- Patternweigh up + options/pros and cons
consider carefully before choosing
- 6
Hiring decision
Her lack of experience weighed against hiring her.
- Patternweigh against + person/option
be a reason not to choose them or it
- 7
Office pressure
The long delay is starting to weigh on everyone in the office.
- Patternweigh on + person/group
make them feel worried, tired, or under pressure
- 8
Family finances
High rent is weighing heavily on many young families.
- Patternweigh heavily on + person/group
cause serious pressure or difficulty
- 9
Policy discussion
Several teachers weighed in on the new phone policy.
- Patternweigh in on + issue
give your opinion about it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- weighverb
Forms
- weighing-ing formverb
- weighedpast tenseverb
- weighsverb