Outweigh meaning in English
Learn how to use Outweigh correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
(the advantages) outweigh (the disadvantages): (the advantages) are greater than, compensate for, counterbalance (the disadvantages)
The advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages: we should say "yes"!
I guarantee that the profits will outweigh the risks: you'll have to invest $5,000 in the business, but you will definitely make at least $20,000 in profit.
Pronunciation examples
UK: I'm sure you'll agree that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
US: But the risk outweighs any possible profits!
Examples
- "You need to be thinking for the long term. These changes may be difficult to implement but the benefits far outweigh the initial effort."
- "While the benefits of sleep are numerous, it seems clear that the dangers of NOT sleeping outweigh them considerably."
- "The transition costs of offshore operations are greatly outweighed by the long term savings which outsourcing provides."
- "Perhaps the benefits of the internet outweigh any damage it may cause to the environment?"
Exercise 1
'...the dangers of NOT sleeping outweigh them considerably.'
Which of the following sentences use(s) the term 'outweigh' correctly? There may be more than 1!
Which of the following sentences use(s) the term 'outweigh' correctly? There may be more than 1!
'...the dangers of NOT sleeping outweigh them considerably.'
Which of the following sentences use(s) the term 'outweigh' correctly? There may be more than 1!
Which of the following sentences use(s) the term 'outweigh' correctly? There may be more than 1!
This sentence does not use the term 'outweigh' correctly. 'Outweigh' is generally used only in comparisons, it shouldn't be used as a replacement for the verb 'to weigh', which describes 'how heavy' an object is: I weigh 95 kilos.
This sentence does not use the term 'outweigh' correctly. 'Outweigh' is generally used only in comparisons, it shouldn't be used to describe 'reflection' or 'consideration'. On the other hand, the term 'weigh' could be used figuratively here to express consideration: I've weighed both options...
This sentence uses the verb 'to outweigh' correctly. The literal meaning of this term describes 'weighing more' or 'being heavier' than something else. This sentence expresses that an elephant 'weighs more' or is 'heavier' than a crocodile. Note that many verbs beginning with the prefix 'out' express a sense of doing something 'more' or 'better'; they add a superlative sense to the verb: 'outdo', 'outrun', 'outplay' etc...
This sentence uses the verb 'to outweigh' correctly, in the same sense as it is used in the article. The figurative meaning of the term describes something (advantages) being more important or consequential than another thing (disadvantages). 'Outweigh' is often used to make comparisons: the pros outweigh the cons, the problems outweigh the benefits, etc...
Don't confuse the verb 'outweigh' with the noun 'way'!
Exercise 2
The benefits... outweigh the initial effort.
This means that:
This means that:
The benefits... outweigh the initial effort.
This means that:
This means that:
This is incorrect. "To outweigh" is to "be greater than" or to "compensate for" something. Ursula says that there will be an initial effort involved.
This choice is incorrect. "To outweigh" is to "be greater than" or to "compensate for" something. This statement doesn't imply that the benefits won't compensate for the initial efforts.
This choice is incorrect. "To outweigh" is to "be greater than" or to "compensate for" something. This statement doesn't imply that the benefits will be reduced.
This is the correct choice. Ursula says that making changes to Delavigne's environmental policy will be difficult to implement at first, but that the advantages will justify the initial efforts. The verb "to outweigh" means to exceed in value or importance, or "to be greater than". Example: The advantages of this project outweigh the disadvantages.
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