What is weigh? Pronunciation and usage in English

weigh means . Learn how to pronounce and use weigh through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of weigh

weighverb

/weɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of weigh

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "weigh" in English. It's a tricky one because it's pronounced differently depending on whether it means "to measure weight" or "to consider carefully."

1. "Weigh" as a Verb (to measure weight):

  • Pronunciation: /weɪ/ (rhymes with "day" or "say")
  • Breakdown:
    • "wei": Pronounced like the "way" in "way"
    • "gh": This is a tricky sound! It's a voiceless velar fricative. Think of it as a sound slightly behind your tongue, almost like a breathy "g" but not fully. It's a bit like the "h" in "house" but further back in your throat. Many native speakers find this the hardest part.
  • Example: "I need to weigh this package before shipping." (pronounced /aɪ niːd tu ˈweɪ ðɪs ˈpækɪdʒ bɪfɔr shɪpɪŋ/)

2. "Weigh" as a Verb (to consider carefully):

  • Pronunciation: /weɪ/ (rhymes with "day" or "say") - Exactly the same as the weight pronunciation!
  • This is important: When "weigh" means to consider, it's ALWAYS pronounced the same way as when it means to measure weight. Don't let the different meanings confuse you.

Tips for the "gh" sound (for the weight pronunciation):

Resources for Practice:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context of the word you're trying to pronounce? (e.g., "I need to weigh this box," or "I need to weigh the pros and cons?")

Usage and examples with the word weigh in English

Let's break down how to use the word "weigh" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by usage:

1. Literal Meaning: To Measure Weight

  • Definition: This is the most straightforward meaning – to determine the heaviness of something using a scale.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to weigh the apples to see how much each one is."
    • "The box weighs 10 kilograms."
    • "The scale weighs your weight."

2. Figurative Meanings – Considering Importance or Value

This is where "weigh" gets more interesting. It often means to think carefully about something.

  • a) To Consider the Pros and Cons: This is the most common figurative usage.

    • Definition: To assess the advantages and disadvantages of something.
    • Examples:
      • "We need to weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision."
      • "I'm trying to weigh my options – should I take the new job or stay where I am?"
      • "Let's weigh the evidence carefully."

  • b) To Give Importance to (Something): To recognize that something is significant.

    • Definition: To recognize the importance or value of something.
    • Examples:
      • "Honesty is something I weigh above all else." (Meaning it’s very important to me.)
      • "She weighed the importance of her friendship with him highly."
      • "Don't weigh money too heavily; experience is priceless."

  • c) To Carry Significant Emotional Weight: Sometimes used to describe the emotional impact of something.

    • Definition: To carry a strong emotional consequence or burden.
    • Examples:
      • "The guilt weighs heavily on his mind."
      • “The loss still weighs on her heart.”

3. "Weigh Out" – Measuring Ingredients (Cooking)

  • Definition: To measure ingredients by volume – usually dry ingredients – into a measuring cup. This is common in baking.
  • Example: "You need to weigh out the flour before adding it to the batter."

4. "Weigh Against" – To Oppose

  • Definition: To be opposed to something; to be a counterpoint.
  • Examples:
    • "His arguments weighed against my decision." (His arguments were reasons not to do something.)
    • “The evidence weighed against the suspect’s alibi.”

Key Differences to Remember:

  • “Weigh” (weight): Physical heaviness.
  • “Weigh” (consider): Mental appraisal – assessing importance or value.

Tips for Using “Weigh” Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: Pay close attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Synonyms: Sometimes, using a synonym can help clarify the meaning. Consider: consider, assess, evaluate, balance.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "weigh" in a specific context (e.g., business, personal relationships)?
  • Help you write a sentence using "weigh"?

Synonyms for the word weigh

Idioms of the word weigh

weigh your words
to choose your words carefully so that you say exactly what you mean
  • He spoke slowly, weighing his words.

Practice with vocabulary weigh

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Scientists need to carefully ______ the samples before conducting the experiment to ensure accuracy.
  2. The decision to expand internationally will ______ heavily on the company's financial resources for the next fiscal year.
  3. Before making a final offer, the real estate agent will ______ the market value of the property.
  4. When evaluating project proposals, we must ______ the long-term impact on our environmental footprint.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. When designing the new packaging, the team had to ______ various factors such as cost, sustainability, and consumer appeal. A) measure B) quantify C) weigh D) evaluate E) gauge

  2. The new policy's potential impact on employee morale will ______ heavily on its success. A) rest B) rely C) press D) weigh E) depend

  3. Could you please ______ the total project cost, including materials and labor, by end of day? A) weigh B) calculate C) estimate D) appraise E) forecast

  4. It is crucial to ______ the pros and cons of this investment opportunity before committing any capital. A) balance B) evaluate C) count D) weigh E) inspect

  5. The jury must ______ if the evidence presented proves the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A) ponder B) discern C) decide D) survey E) weigh

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company carefully considered all risks associated with the merger. (Begin with "The company carefully...")
  2. His opinion had a significant influence on the committee's final decision. (Use a noun form of "weigh".)
  3. We need to assess the public's reaction to the new product launch. (Replace "assess" with a suitable synonym.)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. weigh
  2. weigh
  3. assess
  4. consider

Exercise 2:

  1. C) weigh, D) evaluate, E) gauge
  2. A) rest, B) rely, D) weigh, E) depend
  3. C) estimate, D) appraise, E) forecast
  4. A) balance, B) evaluate, D) weigh
  5. B) discern, C) decide

Exercise 3:

  1. The company carefully weighed all risks associated with the merger.
  2. His opinion carried significant weight in the committee's final decision.
  3. We need to gauge the public's reaction to the new product launch.

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