Weigh vs. Weight — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on February 24, 2024
"Weigh" refers to the action of determining the weight of something, while "weight" is the measure of how heavy an object is.
Difference Between Weigh and Weight
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Weighing is an action or process, often involving scales or other measuring devices, to determine the weight of an object or person. For example, you might weigh your luggage before a flight to ensure it meets airline regulations. Weight, on the other hand, is a noun that represents the heaviness of an object, which is a result of the force exerted by gravity on that object. The weight of the luggage, for instance, might be 23 kilograms.
The verb "weigh" can also be used metaphorically, meaning to assess or consider something carefully, as in weighing one's options. The noun "weight," however, can metaphorically refer to a burden or responsibility, as in the weight of a decision.
Weighing is an active process that requires an instrument or method, and the outcome of this process is the determination of an object's weight. The weight of an object is a specific value, which can be expressed in units such as pounds or kilograms, depending on the system of measurement used.
"Weigh" is about the action and involves engagement with the object whose weight is being determined, whereas "weight" is a static measure that can be documented, compared, and used for various calculations, like determining if a structure can support a certain load.
"Weigh" and "weight" are closely related but serve different linguistic functions, with "weigh" denoting the process of determining weight, and "weight" being the quantifiable outcome of this process.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Definition
The action of determining how heavy something is
The measure of how heavy something is
Usage
Involves an action or process
Describes a property or characteristic
Example Context
Using a scale to find out how heavy something is
The result of a weighing process, expressed in units
Metaphorical Use
To assess or consider something carefully
Refers to a burden or responsibility
Compare with Definitions
Weigh
To determine the heaviness of an object using a scale.
She needs to weigh her suitcase before the trip.
Weight
The measure of the gravitational force on an object.
The weight of the box is 20 kilograms.
Weigh
To assess or consider something in a metaphorical sense.
He weighed his options carefully before making a decision.
Weight
A heavy object used to provide stability or pressure.
He used a paperweight to keep the documents in place.
Weigh
To measure the amount of a substance.
The chef weighed out the flour for the recipe.
Weight
A unit or system of units for measuring how heavy something is.
Weight is often measured in pounds or kilograms.
Weigh
To influence the outcome or importance of something.
Her experience weighed heavily in the hiring decision.
Weight
The importance, value, or influence of something.
The weight of her words resonated with everyone in the room.
Weigh
To have a certain weight.
The package weighs over 50 pounds.
Weight
A burden or responsibility.
The weight of leadership can be challenging to bear.
Weigh
To determine the weight of, as with a scale
Weighed the tomatoes before buying them.
Weight
An object used to hold something else down.
Weigh
To balance in the mind in order to make a choice; ponder or evaluate
Weighed the alternatives and decided to stay.
Weight
To assign a weight to; to express by a number the probable accuracy of, as an observation. See Weight of observations, under Weight.
Weigh
To be of a specific weight
The dog weighs nearly 50 pounds.
Weight
(measurement) Mass (net weight, troy weight, carat weight, etc.).
Weigh
To determine the intrinsic value or merit of an object, to evaluate.
You have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.
Weight
A unit used to measure weight;
He placed two weights in the scale pan
Weigh
To have weight; to be heavy.
Weight
A measure of the heaviness of an object
A contest to guess the weight of a pig.
Weigh
To be considered as important; to have weight in the intellectual balance.
Your vows to her and me . . . will even weigh.
This objection ought to weigh with those whose reading is designed for much talk and little knowledge.
Weight
The quality of being heavy; that property of bodies by which they tend toward the center of the earth; the effect of gravitative force, especially when expressed in certain units or standards, as pounds, grams, etc.
Weigh
Have weight; have import, carry weight;
It does not matter much
Weight
To load (fabrics) as with barite, to increase the weight, etc.
Weight
The vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
Common Curiosities
Can "weigh" be used without a direct object?
Yes, "weigh" can be used intransitively, as in "This fish weighs a lot."
Can "weigh" imply a change in weight?
"Weigh" itself doesn't imply change but can be used to monitor changes in weight over time.
Can "weight" be zero?
In zero gravity, objects are weightless, though they still have mass.
Is "weight" always physical?
No, "weight" can also refer to abstract concepts like influence or burden.
How is "weight" used in physics?
In physics, "weight" refers to the force exerted by gravity on an object, typically measured in newtons.
Can animals "weigh" themselves?
Not in the sense humans do, as "weigh" implies an intentional action to measure weight.
Does "weight" differ in various gravitational fields?
Yes, an object's weight changes with gravity but its mass remains constant.
Are "weigh" and "weight" related etymologically?
Yes, both words share a common origin related to the concept of heaviness.
Is "weigh in" related to "weigh"?
Yes, "weigh in" is a phrasal verb meaning to give an opinion or to be weighed, often used in contexts like debates or sports.
Can digital scales "weigh" without physical weights?
Digital scales measure weight based on electrical resistance, not physical weights.
Is "weight" used in expressions or idioms?
Yes, phrases like "carry the weight of the world" use "weight" metaphorically.
Can "weight" refer to emotional effects?
Yes, "weight" can metaphorically describe emotional burdens or stresses.
Is "weight" important in diet and fitness?
Yes, in these contexts, "weight" often refers to body mass and its management.
Can "weight" influence an object's speed or motion?
Yes, in physics, an object's weight can affect its acceleration and movement.
How do "weigh" and "weight" relate to cooking?
In cooking, ingredients may be weighed to determine their weight for precise recipes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
