Outweighed: meaning, definitions and examples

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outweighed

 

[aʊtˈweɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

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

outbalanced, surpassed.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • '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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "outweighed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superado

🇮🇳 भारित

🇩🇪 überwiegen

🇮🇩 melebihi

🇺🇦 перевершив

🇵🇱 przeważał

🇯🇵 上回った

🇫🇷 dépassé

🇪🇸 superado

🇹🇷 aştı

🇰🇷 능가했다

🇸🇦 تفوق

🇨🇿 převážil

🇸🇰 prevažoval

🇨🇳 超过

🇸🇮 presegel

🇮🇸 yfirgeng

🇰🇿 асып кетті

🇬🇪 გადაუსწრო

🇦🇿 üstün gəldi

🇲🇽 superado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,179, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.