What is weight? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of weight

weightnoun

/weɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of weight

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "weight" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • ˈweɪt (rhymes with "late" or "gate")

Let's break it down further:

  • ˈweɪ - This part is key. The first syllable, "way," is stressed. It's pronounced with a short "a" sound (like in "cat").
  • t - A simple, quick "t" sound at the end.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the "way" sound: Many people struggle with this syllable. Practice saying "way" repeatedly.
  • Don't overemphasize: "Weight" is a relatively short word. Avoid adding extra syllables or lengthening it unnaturally.

You can hear it too:

  • Google it: Search "how to pronounce weight" on Google and click the audio icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/weight/ – This website provides pronunciations from native speakers.

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Usage and examples with the word weight in English

Let's break down how to use the word "weight" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Weight (Most Common)

  • Definition: This refers to the heaviness of something.
  • Examples:
    • "The package has a significant weight." (Describes its heaviness)
    • "I need to lose weight." (Referring to body mass)
    • "The rock’s weight was too much for me to lift."
    • "The weight of the rain was pressing down on us."

2. Importance/Influence (Figurative)

  • Definition: This is a metaphorical use of "weight," referring to something that has power, influence, or significance.
  • Examples:
    • "His speech carried a lot of weight with the audience." (Meaning it was persuasive and impactful)
    • "The judge’s decision carried considerable weight." (Meaning it was crucial and difficult to overturn.)
    • "The committee's report holds significant weight in the debate."
    • "Don't let his words carry too much weight; he's just trying to make himself feel important."

3. Weight (As a Measurement)

  • Definition: This refers to the measurement of heaviness, usually in units like pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg).
  • Examples:
    • "The scale shows my weight is 150 pounds."
    • "The truck's weight is 2 tons."
    • "He's gained/lost 5 kilograms in weight."

4. Weight (of a Collection or Group)

  • Definition: Refers to the total amount of something.
  • Examples:
    • "The weight of evidence suggests he is guilty." (Meaning there is a substantial amount of evidence.)
    • "The overall weight of the project is challenging." (Meaning the project as a whole is difficult.)

5. Specific Types of Weight (Less Common, but important)

  • Mental Weight: This refers to the burden of worries, anxieties, or difficult emotions.
    • "She carries a lot of mental weight from her past."
  • Weight Bearing: Describes something that can support weight.
    • "This chair is weight bearing – you can sit on it."
  • Weight Loss/Gain: Refers to changes in body mass.
    • "I’m trying to achieve a healthy weight loss."

Key Phrases & Constructions

  • "Lose weight": To decrease in weight.
  • "Gain weight": To increase in weight.
  • "Healthy weight": A weight considered to be within a healthy range for a person's size and age.
  • "With significant weight": To have considerable importance or influence.

Tips for Using "Weight" Correctly

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine the intended meaning.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: Be aware that “weight” can be used literally (referring to heaviness) or figuratively (referring to importance).
  • Units of Measurement: When referring to physical weight, use appropriate units (pounds, kilograms).

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What specifically are you trying to use "weight" in? (e.g., describing a physical object, discussing a problem, talking about personal health, etc.)

Synonyms for the word weight

Idioms of the word weight

carry weight (with somebody)
to have influence with somebody
  • My views don't carry much weight with the boss.
groan under the weight of something
(formal)used to say that there is too much of something
  • The table groaned under the weight of the biggest buffet they had ever seen.
pull your weight
to work as hard as everyone else in a job, an activity, etc.
    punch above your weight
    to be or try to be more successful than others in doing something that normally requires more skill, experience, money, etc. than you have
    • This player seems to be able to constantly punch above his weight.
    • He punched above his weight as the party’s foreign affairs spokesman.
    take the weight off your feet
    (informal)to sit down and rest, especially when you are tired
    • Come and sit down and take the weight off your feet for a while.
    throw your weight about/around
    (informal)to use your position of authority or power in an aggressive way in order to achieve what you want
    • She was a good manager, who didn’t find it necessary to throw her weight around.
    throw/put your weight behind something
    to use all your influence and power to support something
    • The government has thrown its weight behind the anti-pollution campaign.
    weight of numbers
    the combined power, strength or influence of a group
    • They won the argument by sheer weight of numbers.
    worth your/its weight in gold
    very useful or valuable
    • A good mechanic is worth his weight in gold.

    Practice with vocabulary weight

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The committee considered the _______ of the new evidence before making a final decision.
    2. The maximum allowable _______ for checked luggage is 23 kilograms.
    3. The moral _______ of his past actions continued to trouble him.
    4. Scientists often use a precise _______ to quantify the amount of a substance.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. The CEO's endorsement added considerable _______ to the project proposal. a) burden b) influence c) significance d) weight
    2. To accurately determine the _______ of the chemicals, the technician used a digital scale. a) mass b) density c) volume d) weight
    3. The manager felt the entire _______ of the project's potential failure resting on her shoulders. a) consequence b) importance c) burden d) weight
    4. Which of these words best describes a large, cumbersome quantity of material? a) load b) lump c) bulk d) capacity
    5. The team decided to _______ the pros and cons carefully before making a final choice. a) consider b) evaluate c) quantify d) assess

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Her past experiences greatly influenced her perspective on the current situation. Rewrite the sentence using "weight" or a related word form.
    2. It is important to consider all potential risks before launching the product. Rewrite the sentence using "weight" or a related word form.
    3. The responsibility of managing the entire department was immense. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, but do not use "weight" or related forms.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. weight
    2. weight
    3. burden
    4. scale (or instrument)

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) influence, c) significance, d) weight
    2. a) mass, d) weight
    3. c) burden, d) weight
    4. a) load, b) lump, c) bulk
    5. a) consider, b) evaluate, d) assess

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Her past experiences carried considerable weight in shaping her perspective on the current situation.
    2. All potential risks must be weighed carefully before launching the product.
    3. The burden of managing the entire department was immense.

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