Weigh Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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weigh
[weɪ ]
Definitions
measurement
To find out how heavy something is by measuring its weight on a scale.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| weigh |
Use this when referring to the physical act of measuring weight or when considering pros and cons carefully.
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| measure |
This word is suitable when you are quantifying or determining the size, amount, or degree of something.
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| evaluate |
Use this in professional, academic, and technical contexts when systematically determining the value or significance of something.
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| assess |
This word is typically used in contexts where you're making a judgment about the value, quality, or nature of something.
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Examples of usage
- I need to weigh this package before I can send it.
- She weighed herself on the bathroom scale.
consideration
To carefully consider and think about something before making a decision.
Synonyms
contemplate, evaluate, ponder.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| weigh |
Used when considering something carefully before making a decision, often involving pros and cons.
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| ponder |
Used when thinking about something carefully and for a long time, often involving speculation.
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| contemplate |
Used when thinking deeply about something, often in a serious or reflective way.
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| evaluate |
Used when making a judgment or assessment about something, often in a systematic or structured way.
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Examples of usage
- Weighing the pros and cons of the situation, she finally made her choice.
- It's important to weigh all possible outcomes before taking action.
unit of measurement
A unit used to measure the heaviness of an object.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| weigh |
Use this term when referring to the action of measuring weight or considering something carefully.
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| mass |
Generally used in scientific or mathematical contexts to describe the amount of matter in an object. It is more technical and less commonly used in everyday conversation.
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| load |
This term is used when referring to something heavy that needs to be carried or a large amount of work. It can be used both literally and figuratively.
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| burden |
This word often has a negative connotation and is used when talking about something or someone causing stress or heavy responsibility.
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Examples of usage
- The box had a weight of 10 kilograms.
- The weight of the car was too much for the bridge.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Weighing an object measures its mass, which is different from its weight; weight is the force of gravity on that mass.
- In physics, mass is constant regardless of location, but weight can change based on gravity (for example, on the moon, you weigh less!).
- The unit of measurement for weight in the metric system is the Newton, named after the famous scientist Isaac Newton.
Psychology
- People often associate weight with self-image, leading to various psychological effects around body perception.
- Weight perception can influence decision-making, such as what food to eat or how often to exercise.
- Studies show that weighing yourself regularly can help in maintaining a healthy lifestyle by promoting awareness of body changes.
Cultural Insights
- Different cultures have unique scales and methods of weighing things, from traditional balances to digital scales.
- In some cultures, weight is commemorated with ceremonies during milestones like weddings, symbolizing prosperity.
- The importance of weight in traditional medicine varies; in some societies, it guides dietary practices and health recommendations.
Literature
- Weight and balance are often metaphors in literature, representing moral dilemmas or the load of choices.
- In poems, the act of weighing can symbolize self-reflection and the measurement of life's worth.
- Classic literature often uses the concept of weighing as a plot device, portraying characters faced with balancing different aspects of their lives.
Origin of 'weigh'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'waegan,' which means to move something back and forth.
- In ancient times, people used stones or other objects to compare weights, leading to the development of scales.
- The concept of weighing dates back to 3000 BC in Mesopotamia where they used balance scales for trade.
The word 'weigh' dates back to Old English 'wegan' meaning 'to carry, move, bear'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the concept of measuring heaviness. The use of scales for weighing objects has been a common practice for centuries, playing a crucial role in trade and commerce. The verb 'weigh' is also commonly used metaphorically to express the act of considering or evaluating something carefully before making a decision.
See also: weighbridge.