Main Entry:

¹weigh

Pronunciation:

\ˈwā\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English weyen, from Old English wegan to move, carry, weigh — more at way

Date:

before 12th century

transitive verb1: to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance2 a: outweigh b: counterbalance c: to make heavy : weight —often used with down3: to consider carefully especially by balancing opposing factors or aspects in order to reach a choice or conclusion : evaluate <weighing her options>4: to heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing5: to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scalesintransitive verb1 a: to have a certain heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity b: to register a weight (as on a scales) —used with in or out — compare weigh in2: to merit consideration as important : count <evidence will weigh heavily against him>3 a: to press down with or as if with a heavy weight b: to have a saddening or disheartening effect <guilt weighed on my mind>4: to weigh anchor

synonyms see consider

— weigh·able \ˈwā-ə-bəl\ adjective

— weigh·er noun