verb
weigh
way
verb
1
To find out how heavy something is, usually with scales.
"The nurse weighed the baby at every checkup."
2
To have a particular weight.
"The parcel weighs almost two kilograms."
3
To carefully consider or compare things before deciding.
"She weighed the pros and cons before accepting the job offer."
"The judge had to weigh the evidence from both sides."
4
Nautical: to raise the anchor before setting sail.
"The crew weighed anchor at dawn."
How to Use Weigh
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo measure heaviness, to have a certain heaviness, or to think carefully about options.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "way" or "whey" — all pronounced the same but spelled and meaning differently.
Common pairings
weigh the options
weigh anchor
weigh in
Word Forms
weighed past tense, weighs plural, weighs singular
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The nurse _____ the baby at every checkup.
Etymology
From Old English wegan ("to carry, move, weigh"), from a very old root meaning "to carry or transport" — a distant relative of "vector" and "wagon".