outweigh
C1Formal / Academic
Definition
Meaning
To be greater or more significant than something else in value, importance, or effect.
To exceed in weight, influence, or merit; to be more significant or advantageous than the disadvantages or opposing factors.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used metaphorically. While its literal meaning relates to physical weight, it is almost exclusively employed to compare abstract qualities like benefits, risks, advantages, or considerations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in formal/academic contexts, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Something] outweighs [something else]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The benefits outweigh the risks.”
- “The ends outweigh the means.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in cost-benefit analysis and strategic decision-making (e.g., 'The projected revenue outweighs the initial investment.').
Academic
Common in essays and research to compare theories, evidence, or factors (e.g., 'The methodological flaws outweigh the study's contributions.').
Everyday
Used in personal decision-making (e.g., 'For me, the convenience outweighs the extra cost.').
Technical
Used in fields like medicine, engineering, and law to assess risks versus benefits.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The environmental benefits of cycling far outweigh the minor inconvenience.
- Does the thrill of the ride outweigh the safety concerns for you?
American English
- The tax savings should outweigh the setup fees for this retirement account.
- In my opinion, the movie's great script outweighs its low-budget effects.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- For many children, playing outside outweighs watching TV.
- The health benefits of exercise clearly outweigh the effort it requires.
- The committee decided that the project's long-term economic advantages outweighed its short-term costs.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a scale: if one side OUTweighs the other, it goes OUT further and DOWN.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS WEIGHT / A COMPETITION IS A PHYSICAL CONTEST.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'перевешивать' in all contexts, as the Russian word can imply physical hanging over. Use 'превосходить (по важности)', 'иметь большее значение'.
- Do not confuse with 'outweigh' meaning to simply 'be heavier'—this literal sense is rare.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'The advantages are outweigh the disadvantages.' Correct: 'The advantages outweigh the disadvantages.'
- Incorrect preposition: 'outweigh than...' or 'outweigh over...'. Correct: 'X outweighs Y.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'outweigh' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is very rare. The metaphorical use (comparing importance) is dominant.
It is strictly transitive. It must have a direct object (e.g., 'The benefits outweigh the costs').
Using it with 'are' or 'is' (e.g., 'is outweigh'). It is a main verb, not typically used in progressive forms.
It is neutral. It simply states that one thing is greater than another. The context determines if this is good or bad.
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