Weighing: meaning, definitions and examples

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weighing

 

[ˈweɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

measuring weight

Weighing refers to the action of determining the weight of an object or substance through various means such as scales or balances. It is an essential process in fields like science, cooking, and healthcare, where accurate measurements are crucial. The weighing can involve either the use of scales or comparing the object against a known weight. It can also be metaphorical, as in weighing options or decisions, where one considers various factors and their significance.

Synonyms

balancing, gauging, measuring.

Examples of usage

  • I am weighing the ingredients for the cake.
  • The doctor is weighing the patient to monitor their health.
  • Before making a decision, it's important to weigh all possible outcomes.
Context #2 | Noun

act of weighing

Weighing can also refer to the process or act of determining weight. This can include the physical act of placing an object on a scale, the procedures followed to achieve an accurate measurement, or the results obtained from that process. Weighing is necessary in multiple domains, including transportation, where the weight of cargo can significantly impact logistics, and in fitness, where tracking weight can reflect progress.

Synonyms

assessment, evaluation, measurement.

Examples of usage

  • The weighing of the cargo took much longer than expected.
  • She completed the weighing of the ingredients before cooking.
  • His daily weighing helps him stay on track with his fitness goals.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word traces back to the Old English 'wegan', which means to carry or to consider.
  • In Middle English, it evolved into 'weighen', showing how the pronunciation and spelling shifted over time.
  • Its roots are connected to the German word 'wiegen', which also relates to measuring weight.

Science

  • Weighing helps scientists calculate the density of materials, which is crucial in many experiments.
  • In physics, weight is defined as the force exerted by gravity on an object, making scales essential for measuring it.
  • Precision in weighing is critical in chemistry, as small errors can lead to very different reactions.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, weighing certain items can signify fairness, such as balancing trade goods.
  • Historical records show that scales were used in ancient Egypt to weigh precious metals, like gold, for trade.
  • In modern times, weighing is often part of rituals, including the weighing of souls in certain mythologies.

Everyday Uses

  • We use weighing daily in cooking to get just the right amount of ingredients.
  • Fitness enthusiasts weigh themselves regularly to track their health and progress.
  • Animal farmers use scales to monitor the weight gain of livestock, ensuring they are healthy.

Technology

  • Advancements in technology have led to digital scales that provide more accurate weight readings instantly.
  • Smart scales can measure body composition, like muscle and fat percentage, going beyond simple weight measurement.
  • The use of weighing in the shipping industry helps determine shipping costs based on package weight.

Translations

Translations of the word "weighing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pesagem

🇮🇳 तौला

🇩🇪 Wiegen

🇮🇩 penimbangan

🇺🇦 вага

🇵🇱 ważenie

🇯🇵 計量

🇫🇷 pesée

🇪🇸 pesaje

🇹🇷 tartma

🇰🇷 무게 측정

🇸🇦 الوزن

🇨🇿 vážení

🇸🇰 váženie

🇨🇳 称重

🇸🇮 tehtanje

🇮🇸 vigt

🇰🇿 салмақты өлшеу

🇬🇪 წონა

🇦🇿 çəki

🇲🇽 pesaje

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,574 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.