weigh

¹weigh

verb \ˈwā\

Definition of WEIGH

transitive verb

1

: to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance

2

a : outweigh b : counterbalance c : to make heavy : weight —often used with down

3

: to consider carefully especially by balancing opposing factors or aspects in order to reach a choice or conclusion : evaluate <weighing her options>

4

: to heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing

5

: to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scales

intransitive verb

1

a : to have a certain heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity b : to register a weight (as on a scales) —used with in or out — compare weigh in

2

: to merit consideration as important : count <evidence will weigh heavily against him>

3

a : to press down with or as if with a heavy weight b : to have a saddening or disheartening effect <guilt weighed on my mind>

4

: to weigh anchor

— weigh·able \ˈwā-ə-bəl\ adjective

— weigh·er noun

Examples of WEIGH

1. She weighs herself every morning.
2. He used a scale to weigh the bananas.
3. The bananas weigh more than the apples.
4. How much do you weigh?
5. You will need to weigh the pros and cons.
6. He took time to weigh his options.
7. Her previous experience weighs in her favor.

Origin of WEIGH

Middle English weyen, from Old English wegan to move, carry, weigh — more at way

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WEIGH

Synonyms: count, import, mean, signify, matter

Related Words: affect, concern, influence, sway; add up (to), amount (to)

Near Antonyms: disregard, ignore, overlook, slight; dismiss, pooh-pooh (also pooh), reject

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at consider

Rhymes with WEIGH

a, ae, bay, bey, blae, brae, bray, chez, clay, Cray, day, dey, dray, eh, fay, fey, flay, fley, frae, fray, Frey, gay, Gay, gey, gley, gray, hay, he, hey, Hue, j, jay, Jay, k, kay, Kay, lay, lei, may, nay, né, née, neigh, Ney, pay, pe, play, pray, prey, qua, quai, quay, Rae, ray, re, say, shay, slay, sleigh, spae, spay, Spey, splay, spray, stay, stray, sway, Tay, they, tray, trey, way, whey, yea