weigh
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
to determine the heaviness of something using scales.
To consider or assess carefully; to have a specified heaviness; to have significant influence or pressure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a transitive verb, it means to measure heaviness or to consider/assess. As an intransitive verb (often with a specifier like '150 lbs'), it means to have a certain heaviness. Figuratively, it relates to assessing value, influence, or pressure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor differences exist in collocational preferences (e.g., 'weigh in' in sports commentary).
Connotations
Identical core connotations. The idiom 'weigh anchor' is more common in nautical/British contexts.
Frequency
Equally frequent and used in identical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] + object (weigh the parcel)[V] + complement (weighs 5 kg)[V] + on + object (weighs on my mind)[V] + against + object (weigh one option against another)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “weigh anchor”
- “weigh a ton”
- “weigh one's words”
- “weigh in (with)”
- “weigh on someone's mind”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used when assessing options, costs, risks, or market influences (e.g., 'We must weigh the investment against potential returns').
Academic
Used in research to discuss evaluating evidence, arguments, or data (e.g., 'The study weighs different methodological approaches').
Everyday
Used for measuring body weight, ingredients, or parcels; also for considering decisions (e.g., 'I need to weigh myself', 'Weigh your options carefully').
Technical
Used in sciences for precise measurement of mass; in logistics for calculating shipping costs.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you weigh this parcel for first-class post?
- The evidence weighed heavily against the defendant.
- She weighed out 200 grams of flour.
American English
- I need to weigh this box for shipping.
- His advice weighs heavily in my decision.
- The jury must weigh all the facts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The shopkeeper will weigh the bananas.
- How much do you weigh?
- This bag weighs a lot.
- You should weigh the advantages and disadvantages before deciding.
- The doctor told me to weigh myself every week.
- Her opinion weighs heavily with the team.
- The judge must weigh the credibility of each witness.
- Financial considerations weighed heavily in their choice.
- The government is weighing a tax increase.
- He weighed the philosophical implications of the theory.
- The burden of responsibility weighed upon him incessantly.
- Investors are weighing the risks of entering the volatile market.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a WAGON on a SCALE. The phrase 'WAY on a scale' sounds like 'WEIGH on a scale', linking the word to measuring weight.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS WEIGHING (e.g., 'weigh an argument', 'heavy thoughts'). IMPORTANCE IS WEIGHT (e.g., 'his opinion carries great weight', 'a weighty decision').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing with 'вешать' (to hang). 'Weigh' is 'взвешивать'.
- Using 'весить' correctly for 'it weighs', but may misuse the verb pattern in figurative senses.
- Avoiding direct translation of 'weigh on my mind' as 'весить на моём уме' – use 'тяготить' or 'беспокоить'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I weighed it and it was 10 kgs heavy.' Correct: 'I weighed it and it was 10 kg.'
- Incorrect: 'This decision weights on me.' Correct: 'This decision weighs on me.'
- Confusing 'weigh' (verb) with 'weight' (noun).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The bad news ______ on his mind all week,' which word fits best?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Weigh' is a verb meaning to measure heaviness or consider. 'Weight' is a noun referring to the measure of heaviness itself or importance.
Yes, this is the standard intransitive use, where the subject (I) has a specified weight.
Yes, in its intransitive sense (e.g., 'It weighs too much') and in phrasal verbs like 'weigh in' (e.g., 'The boxer weighed in at 90kg').
It is a nautical term meaning to lift the anchor in preparation for sailing; figuratively, it can mean to start a journey or venture.