outweighs - Master This Word
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outweighs Word Meanings
- to be greater than in weight or importance
- to exceed in value or significance
- to surpass
outweighs Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
outweighs Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/aʊtˈweɪ/
US
/aʊtˈweɪ/
outweighs Word Etymology
out- = beyond + weigh = to assess weight; Origin: Old English; Memory image: Imagine a scale where one side is filled with heavy weights, tipping the balance as it outweighs the other side.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Outweigh means to be greater in weight or importance than something else. It is used when the positives, value, or impact of one option surpass the costs, risks, or criticisms of another. While weigh can be literal, outweigh emphasizes comparative significance and overall effect. You often see it in policy, business, or argumentation, where benefits must outweigh the drawbacks. The phrase be outweighed by describes a situation in which a negative factor is stronger than a positive one, tipping the balance. Visualize a scale where one side carries heavier weights and thereby determines the outcome.
Usage Reminders
- 1. Pair with costs or risks to show balance. 2. Use forms outweighs, outweighed, outweighing correctly. 3. Distinguish be outweighed by for stronger negative factors. 4. Prefer outweigh when advantages are substantial. 5. Avoid overgeneralizing; some cases may not outweigh the drawbacks. 6. Keep subject-verb agreement in present simple.
Common Misconceptions
- It only refers to physical weight, not importance
- Outweighs is the only correct form in present tense
- Be outweighed by means the opposite of outweigh
- You can say outweigh the costs of something with no context
- Confuses with overweigh or overweight
Thinking Differences
English speakers often frame outweigh as a balance between positives and negatives, focusing on overall impact rather than just physical weight. Learners may overgeneralize to contexts where no clear trade off exists or misapply with people.
Learning Tips
- Create pairs of sentences comparing benefits and costs
- Practice be outweighed by with different negative factors
- Use different tenses to describe past or future trade-offs
- Link outweigh with common collocations like outweigh the costs or outweigh the risks
- Draw a simple scale image to remember the concept
- Record short voice notes using the word in context
Related Listening
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