weights - Master This Word
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weights Word Meanings
- the heaviness of something
- importance or influence
- to measure how heavy something is
weights Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
weights Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/weɪt/
US
/weɪt/
weights Word Etymology
weight = weigh + -t (noun suffix); Old English 'wēht' from Proto-Germanic *waikō. Imagine a scale tipping with a heavy weight on one side, symbolizing gravity and measurement. The concept connects to the figurative importance or influence someone might carry, visualizing an influential person balancing a heavy scale.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I slip my hands under the bag's handle and lift. A small move, then the weight sits in my arms and I feel the heft. I adjust my grip, shift my stance, and keep it steady as I walk. That weight tells me what I can carry now and what I should set down, shaping how I move through the moment.
Real Context
Weight is a versatile word in English that can refer to physical heaviness, the importance or influence of something, or the act of measuring heaviness. When you say something has weight, you mean it matters or carries influence. In everyday life you might check the weight of groceries on a scale, or discuss a proposal that carries a lot of weight in a decision. As a verb, weight is used in phrases like 'to weigh the evidence' or 'to weigh the consequences'—to consider options carefully. The noun form also connects to gravity and physics, but it is common in figurative language as well, describing burden, responsibility, or significance.
Usage Reminders
- Use weight as a noun for heaviness or importance.
- Weigh is the verb meaning to measure weight or to consider carefully.
- Weigh down or weigh on describe something that burdens someone.
- Weighty describes something important or serious.
- When talking about importance, remember weight collocates with 'of' (the weight of evidence) or 'on' (weigh on someone).
Common Misconceptions
- Weight and mass are the same in physics.
- Weight always means physical heaviness.
- Weight is only used for people or objects, not ideas.
- Weigh and weight are interchangeable as verbs.
- A 'weight' cannot be used figuratively.
Thinking Differences
Weight in English blends physical measurement with figurative burden; learners should notice the common collocations and verbs (weigh) that pair with weight in abstract contexts.
Learning Tips
- Practice both noun and verb forms.
- Learn common collocations: the weight of evidence, weigh the options.
- Distinguish weight from mass in physics.
- Use weighty for serious topics and weigh for careful consideration.
- Differentiate a weight (mass) vs weights (gym equipment) in practice.
- Create real-life sentences to solidify usage.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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