Outweighed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚖️
outweighed
[aʊtˈweɪd ]
Definition
comparison of weight
Outweighed refers to the situation where one thing is heavier than another, or where its importance or significance is greater than something else. In a broader sense, it can also mean that one factor or consideration is more influential than others in making a judgment or decision.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The benefits of the program outweighed the costs.
- Her skills in negotiation outweighed any lack of experience.
- In the end, the joy of helping others outweighed the risks.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that when making decisions, people often consider the pros and cons, weighing the benefits against the drawbacks.
- Cognitive biases, like the confirmation bias, may lead individuals to focus more on information that outweighs their existing beliefs.
- In behavioral economics, outcomes are often evaluated in terms of their weight on emotional responses, influencing choices.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'outweighed by other factors' is frequently used in film and literature to highlight moral dilemmas where one choice has significant consequences.
- In various sports narratives, dramatic moments often depict an underdog being outweighed by stronger opponents, emphasizing themes of resilience.
- Songs and movies often explore the concept of love outweighing hardships, creating emotional connections with audiences.
Science
- In physics, the concept of mass and weight is fundamental; an object's weight can be outweighed by another with greater mass under the same gravitational pull.
- In ecology, the idea that certain species or factors can outweigh others is crucial for understanding ecosystem balance.
- Health studies often discuss how lifestyle choices can outweigh genetic predispositions in determining outcomes like obesity or heart disease.
Literature
- Literary analyses frequently discuss how themes of sacrifice and love can outweigh personal desires, impacting character development.
- In classic literature, the weight of societal expectations often outweighs individual desires, creating tension in character arcs.
- Metaphors of weighing decisions are common in poetry, illustrating the inner conflict of protagonists confronted with difficult choices.
Origin of 'outweighed'
Main points about word origin
- 'Outweighed' comes from the Old English word 'wegan,' meaning to weigh or carry.
- The prefix 'out-' signifies something that goes beyond or surpasses in measurement.
- The evolution of the term reflects a shift from literal weight to metaphorical importance in discussions.
The word 'outweigh' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'out-' meaning 'beyond' or 'more than' and the verb 'weigh' which comes from the Old English 'wegan', meaning 'to carry' or 'to lift'. 'Weigh' has roots in Proto-Germanic *waganą and Proto-Indo-European *wegh-, which signifies 'to be strong' or 'to grow'. The term has evolved over the centuries, initially referring to the literal physical measurement of weight, but gradually adapting to encompass metaphorical uses, particularly in discussing the comparison of merits or importance between two entities. The first recorded use of 'outweigh' in English dates back to the 15th century, showcasing its long-standing integration into the language for expressing the comparative significance of choices, consequences, and impacts.