Weighed vs. Weighted — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
"Weighed" is the past tense of "weigh," meaning to measure the weight of something. "Weighted" refers to something given additional weight or influenced in a certain direction. Both pertain to weight, but their applications differ.
Difference Between Weighed and Weighted
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Key Differences
"Weighed" is directly tied to the verb "weigh," which means to determine the heaviness or mass of an object, often using scales or other measurement tools. When you say something was "weighed," you imply it was placed on a scale and its weight was determined. In contrast, "Weighted" has a broader connotation, implying that weight was added to or assigned to something.
To draw a picture with an example: if you took an apple and placed it on a scale to determine its heaviness, you would say the apple was "weighed." On the other hand, if you took a standard dice and modified it to land on a specific number more frequently by adding weight, you'd say the dice was "weighted."
Another dimension to consider is the metaphorical usage of these terms. "Weighed" can be used to convey a feeling of being burdened, as in "she felt weighed down by her responsibilities." "Weighted," in contrast, can be used in contexts like decision-making, as in "his opinion was heavily weighted in the final decision."
Lastly, it's worth noting the importance of context. While both words revolve around the concept of weight, "weighed" typically implies a straightforward measurement, while "weighted" suggests adjustment, influence, or bias.
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Past tense of "weigh".
Given additional weight or influenced.
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Action Involved
Measuring weight.
Adding weight or influence.
Example Objects
Fruit, package, person.
Dice, decisions, averages.
Metaphorical Use
Feeling burdened.
Adjusted or biased.
Typical Context
Direct measurement.
Adjustment, influence, or bias.
Compare with Definitions
Weighed
To have been burdened or oppressed by.
He felt weighed down by his past mistakes.
Weighted
Biased or influenced in a particular direction.
The survey was weighted toward younger respondents.
Weighed
Past tense of "weigh," meaning to determine the weight of.
The package was weighed before shipment.
Weighted
Burdened or laden with.
He carried a heavily weighted backpack.
Weighed
To have been evaluated or assessed.
Her words weighed heavily on his mind.
Weighted
Adjusted by assigning a weight or importance.
The final score was weighted based on difficulty.
Weighed
To have been considered or pondered upon.
The pros and cons were carefully weighed.
Weighted
Designed with a heavier end or portion.
The weighted end of the mace made it a formidable weapon.
Weighed
To have been held in balance or suspended.
The outcome weighed in the balance.
Weighted
Made heavy or heavier by the addition of something
A weighted base.
Weighed
To determine the weight of, as with a scale
Weighed the tomatoes before buying them.
Weighted
(Statistics) Adjusted to reflect value or proportion
A weighted average.
Weighed
To measure or apportion (a certain quantity) by weight. Often used with out
Weighed out a pound of cheese.
Weighted
Simple past tense and past participle of weight
Weighed
To balance in the mind in order to make a choice; ponder or evaluate
Weighed the alternatives and decided to stay.
Weighted
Having weights on it.
She wore a weighted dress so it wouldn't blow in the wind.
Weighed
To choose carefully or deliberately
Weigh one's words.
Weighted
Biased, so as to favour one party.
The competition was weighted so he'd be the clear favourite to win.
Weighed
(Nautical) To raise (anchor).
Weighted
Having values assigned to its edges
Weighed
To be of a specific weight
The dog weighs nearly 50 pounds.
Weighted
(statistics) With the components of an average multiplied by particular factors so as to take account of their relative importance.
Weighed
To have consequence or importance
The decision weighed heavily against us.
Weighted
Containing a large proportion (of something).
Weighed
To cause to bend heavily by added weight. Used with on or upon
A coating of ice that weighed on the slender branches.
Weighted
Made heavy or weighted down with weariness;
His leaden arms
Weighted eyelids
Weighed
To be burdensome or oppressive. Used with on or upon
These concerns have been weighing on us for weeks.
Weighted
Adjusted to reflect value or proportion;
Votes weighted according to the size of constituencies
A law weighted in favor of landlords
A weighted average
Weighed
(Nautical) To raise anchor.
Weighted
Given additional weight.
The dice were unfairly weighted.
Weighed
Simple past tense and past participle of weigh
Common Curiosities
If a decision is influenced by a particular factor, is it weighed or weighted?
It is weighted.
Is a "weighted average" the same as a regular average?
No, values in a weighted average have different levels of importance.
Can "weighed" be used metaphorically?
Yes, as in "She felt weighed down by guilt."
Can a person feel weighted by emotions?
Yes, similar to feeling "weighed down," one can feel "weighted" by emotions.
If I measure the weight of a book, have I weighed or weighted it?
You have weighed it.
Can something be both weighed and weighted?
Yes, an object can be weighed to determine its mass and then weighted to add extra heaviness.
Is "weighted" always about physical weight?
No, it can also refer to influence or bias in non-physical contexts.
What does "weighted towards" imply?
It implies a bias or emphasis in a particular direction.
Are "weighed" and "weighted" interchangeable?
No, "weighed" usually means measured, while "weighted" means given extra weight or influence.
If a survey is designed to favor a group, is it weighed or weighted?
It is weighted.
Can "weighed" mean to consider or evaluate something?
Yes, as in "He weighed his options."
What does it mean if a die is weighted?
It means the die is biased to land on certain numbers more often.
Is "weighted" used in statistics?
Yes, especially in concepts like "weighted mean" or "weighted average."
Does "weighed in" mean someone was physically weighed?
Not necessarily, "weighed in" can also mean giving an opinion or judgment.
Are there "weighted exercises"?
Yes, exercises done with added weight, like weighted squats.
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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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
