Weight: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to the measurement of how heavy something is and is commonly used in everyday situations, fitness, and health contexts.

• The weight of the package is 10 kilograms.
• She is trying to lose weight for the summer.

Used in scientific contexts to refer to the amount of matter in an object, regardless of gravitational force, and sometimes in everyday language to describe a large quantity or collection.

• The mass of the Earth is about 5.97 × 10^24 kilograms.
• There was a mass of people at the concert.

Describes the quality or state of being heavy and is often used to convey a subjective feeling or impression.

• I felt a sense of heaviness in my heart after hearing the bad news.
• The heaviness of the coat made it uncomfortable to wear.

Refers to something that is carried, often heavy or cumbersome, and is frequently used in logistical, technical, or mechanical contexts.

• The truck was carrying a load of bricks.
• He strained his back lifting a heavy load.

As stated before, use in both literal and figurative senses, often to describe the heaviness of an object or the impact of an argument or decision.

• The weight of the evidence convinced the jury.
• Can you help me with the weight of this package?

Use to describe something that is important because of what it represents or implies. Often used in academic or analytical contexts.

• The significance of the discovery was immediately recognized by the scientists.
• This event has historical significance.

Use to describe something that has a great impact or value, often in a positive sense.

• Education is of great importance for young minds.
• The importance of following safety protocols cannot be overstressed.

Use to describe the power to affect, shape, or change someone or something, usually in a broader or more subtle way.

• Her influence on modern art is undeniable.
• Parents have a great influence on their children.

Already provided in the first entry, but generally indicates the measurement of how heavy something is.

• He was concerned about the weight of the parcel.
• They measured the weight of the fish before releasing it.

Describes a force applied downwards, either physically or metaphorically. This term has a more neutral connotation.

• She pressed down on the dough to flatten it.
• The anxiety seemed to press down on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

Implies a heavy responsibility or something causing worry or stress. It carries a negative connotation.

• Taking care of his elderly parents became a burden he struggled with daily.
• The burden of debt was overwhelming for the young couple.

Refers to the act of pressing something into a smaller space, often used in physical or technological contexts.

• You need to compress the file before sending it via email.
• The machine compresses the cotton into bales.