Weight Meaning and Definition
Weight
Pronunciation
/ˈweɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The amount of heaviness or weight of something, especially when measured or calculated.
Examples
- The scale measured my weight to be 170 pounds.
- She had to lift the heavy weight to get it into the container.
- The athlete’s weight class was crucial in determining her chances of winning.
- The engineer calculated the weight of the cargo to ensure the vehicle could handle it.
- The weight of the bag felt like it was pulling me down.
- The weight of the decision rested on her shoulders.
Synonyms
- Mass
- Heaviness
Antonyms
- Lightness
- Light
Etymology
The word “weight” comes from the Middle English word “weyt,” derived from the Old English word “wægt,” which is related to the Proto-Germanic word “*wikiz” and the Proto-Indo-European root “*weogh-.”
Usage Notes
When referring to the physical property of an object, use the word “weight” to describe its heaviness. When referring to a person’s physical characteristics, use the word “weight” to describe their body mass.
Cultural References
The famous song “Weight, Come Down” by the American rock band ZZ Top, as well as the popular hip-hop song “Weight Scale” by J. Cole, are just a few examples of the word’s appearances in popular culture.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- ‘Gonna take my weight in gold’ – meaning ‘I’ll gladly accept a heavy reward’
- ‘Weight of the world’ – meaning ‘a feeling of great responsibility or burden’
Related Words or Phrases
- Mass
- Heaviness
- Lightness
- Frequency
Collocations
- Weigh something
- Lift a weight
- Carry a weight
- Measure weight
Frequency of Use
According to the Oxford English Corpus, the word “weight” is used approximately 2.5 million times per year in spoken and written English.
Common Misspellings
- Weith
- Weightes
- Wight