Lightweight Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lightweight

[ˈlaɪtˌweɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

clothing

Of thin material or build and weighing less than average.

Synonyms

airy, featherweight, light, thin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lightweight	Used to describe objects or materials that are not heavy and are easy to carry. Often used in contexts related to sports and materials. This jacket is really lightweight, perfect for hiking. He is a lightweight champion in boxing.
light	A general term used to describe something that is not heavy. Can be applied to objects, food, or even abstract concepts like mood or conversation. I packed a light lunch for the picnic. Please keep the decorations light and simple.
thin	Describes the thickness or width of objects. Often used for materials, clothing, and sometimes for people (though this can have negative connotations). She wore a thin scarf around her neck. The ice on the lake is very thin and dangerous.
airy	Describes something that is light and spacious, often used for places or interior designs. Can also describe something that gives a sense of being light and not too serious. The new office is very airy with lots of natural light. Her dress is made of airy fabric, ideal for summer.
featherweight	Typically used in sports, especially boxing, to describe a weight category. Can also describe objects that are extremely light, often with an emphasis on being almost weightless. Has a more emphasized meaning than 'lightweight'. He competes in the featherweight division. These featherweight running shoes feel like you are running barefoot.

Examples of usage

This lightweight jacket is perfect for spring weather.
She prefers lightweight fabrics for her summer dresses.
The shoes are lightweight, making them ideal for long walks.
The backpack is lightweight, which is great for traveling.
The tent is lightweight and easy to carry on hiking trips.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

boxing

A weight division in professional boxing having an upper limit of 135 pounds (61.23 kg).

Synonyms

featherweight, middleweight, welterweight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lightweight	Used in a variety of contexts to indicate something or someone that is less heavy than usual or requires minimal effort. Often used in sports, particularly boxing and mixed martial arts, to describe a weight class. Can also describe objects and metaphorically indicate a lack of importance or difficulty. The newly designed laptop is incredibly lightweight. He competes in the lightweight division in boxing. The book was a lightweight read, perfect for a sunny afternoon.
featherweight	Primarily used in sports, especially in boxing and mixed martial arts, to refer to a specific weight class that's slightly lighter than lightweight. It can also metaphorically describe something very light or insubstantial. He is the reigning featherweight champion of the world. The new material is featherweight, making it ideal for travel bags.
welterweight	Commonly used in boxing and mixed martial arts, this term describes a weight class that is heavier than lightweight and featherweight but lighter than middleweight. It is rarely used in everyday conversation outside of sports contexts. He has dreamt of becoming a welterweight champion since he was a child. The athlete recently moved up to the welterweight division.
middleweight	A term mostly used in combat sports like boxing and mixed martial arts to describe a weight class that is heavier than lightweight and welterweight but lighter than heavyweight. Metaphorically, it can describe someone or something that's in the middle range of ability, importance, or capacity. The middleweight competition was intense this year. She is considered a middleweight in the corporate world.

Examples of usage

The lightweight champion defended his title successfully.
He fights in the lightweight category.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

In boxing and martial arts, ‘lightweight’ classes refer to fighters that weigh under a certain limit, allowing for faster and more agile matches.
The lightweight division has produced many famous champions due to the combination of speed and skill, such as Muhammad Ali and Manny Pacquiao.

Technology

In the tech world, 'lightweight' describes software or devices that use fewer resources, making them faster and easier to operate.
A lightweight smartphone app loads quickly and consumes less battery, which is desirable for users on-the-go.

Fashion and Materials

Lightweight materials like carbon fiber and certain fabrics are favored in high-performance sports gear, providing strength without the bulk.
In fashion, lightweight styles are popular in warmer climates, offering comfort without overwhelming the wearer.

Psychology

Recent studies suggest that people perceive lightweight tasks as less strenuous, which can increase motivation and productivity.
The concept of 'lightweight' can also apply to emotional burdens, where someone may prefer to let go of heavier feelings to maintain a positive mindset.

Origin of 'lightweight'

Main points about word origin

The term 'lightweight' comes from combining 'light,' meaning not heavy, with 'weight,' referring to how heavy something is.
It was first used in the 1800s to describe items in industries like shipping and manufacturing that were easy to lift.

The term 'lightweight' originated in the early 19th century and has been used to describe things that are of a relatively low weight or mass. It is derived from the combination of the words 'light' and 'weight'. Over time, the term has evolved to be used in various contexts such as clothing, sports, and technology, emphasizing the quality of being light in weight or easy to carry.