weigh
UK: weɪ | US: weɪ
vt. to determine the heaviness of an object
vi. to have a specified weight
vt. to consider or balance factors in decision-making
The word "weigh" traces back to Old English wegan, which broadly meant "to carry" or "to move." Over time, its meaning narrowed to focus on the act of measuring heaviness, reflecting the physical effort of lifting or balancing objects. The silent -gh is a relic of Middle English pronunciation shifts, where the sound was dropped but the spelling remained. The semantic shift from "carrying" to "measuring weight" aligns with the practical need to assess loads for trade or labor.
The grocer will weigh the apples before pricing them.
This box weighs about five kilograms.
Judges must weigh the evidence carefully before reaching a verdict.
The anchor’s weight caused the boat to tilt.
Her opinion carries more weight in the committee.