Weigh or weight, which one to use? Although these two words are quite different from each other, they are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among language learners. To understand the differences between weigh and weight and know how to use them correctly, we need to look at their meanings, functions, and origins.
Meanings
Weigh is a verb that means to determine or measure the weight of something or someone using a scale, balance, or similar instrument. It can also mean to consider or evaluate something carefully or to be of a certain weight.
Examples:
– Can you weigh the package and tell me how much it is?
– She weighs herself every morning to keep track of her weight loss progress.
– I have to weigh the pros and cons before I make a decision.
– The elephant weighs over 5000 pounds.
Weight, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the amount or quantity of matter contained in an object or a person, measured in units such as grams, kilograms, pounds, or ounces. It can also mean importance, significance, or influence.
Examples:
– The weight of the bag is 2 kilograms.
– Her weight is 60 kilograms.
– He felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
– The speech carried a lot of weight with the audience.
Functions
Weigh and weight have different functions in a sentence. Weigh is usually used as a transitive verb, meaning it needs an object to complete its meaning.
Examples:
– I need to weigh the flour before I can bake the cake.
– She weighed the baby to make sure he’s growing properly.
Weight, on the other hand, can be used as a noun, an adjective, or a verb, depending on the context.
Examples:
– The weight of the box is too heavy for me to lift. (Noun)
– He is weight conscious and exercises regularly. (Adjective)
– She needs to weight the options before she makes a decision. (Verb)
Origins
Weigh and weight have different origins and etymologies. Weigh is derived from the Old English word “wegan,” which means “to carry, bear.” It is related to the German word “wegen,” which means “to weigh.” Weight, on the other hand, is derived from the Old English word “wiht,” which means “a thing, person, creature.” It is related to the German word “wicht” or “wichtel,” which means “a creature, gnome.”
Comparisons
Now that we have understood the differences between weigh and weight, let’s compare them in different aspects.
1. Parts of Speech
Weigh – Verb
Weight – Noun, Adjective, Verb
2. Definition
Weigh – To determine or measure the weight of something or someone, to consider or evaluate something carefully, to be of a certain weight
Weight – The amount or quantity of matter contained in an object or a person, importance, significance, influence
3. Function
Weigh – Transitive verb, meaning it requires an object to complete its meaning
Weight – Noun, Adjective, Verb, depending on the context
4. Synonyms
Weigh – Measure, evaluate, consider, balance, assess
Weight – Mass, load, heft, significance, importance, influence
5. Antonyms
Weigh – Disregard, ignore, underestimate, neglect
Weight – Insignificance, unimportance, irrelevance
FAQs
Q: Can weigh be used as a noun?
A: No, weigh is a verb that cannot function as a noun, unlike weight, which is a noun that can function as a verb, an adjective, or a noun.
Q: Is weigh and weight synonymous?
A: No, weigh and weight are not synonymous. Weigh is a verb that means to measure the weight of something or someone, while weight is a noun that refers to the amount or quantity of matter contained in an object or a person.
Q: What is the difference between weigh and measure?
A: Although weigh and measure are similar in terms of determining the quantity or size of a thing or a person, measure refers to the determination of the size, amount, or degree of something using a unit of measurement, such as inches, centimeters, or liters, while weigh refers to the determination of the weight of something using a scale or balance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, weigh and weight are two different words with different meanings, functions, and origins. To use them correctly, learners need to understand their individual properties and use them in the appropriate contexts. While weigh is a verb that means to measure the weight of something, weight is a noun that refers to the amount or quantity of matter contained in an object.