What does outweigh mean?
Outweigh is a transitive verb meaning that one thing is greater than another in weight, value, importance, or effect. Its most frequent use is figurative: benefits outweigh risks, evidence outweighs doubt, or one consideration outweighs another. Because the word often appears in discussions of decisions, arguments, costs, and advantages, it commonly suggests a comparison in which one factor is sufficiently more significant or valuable to dominate. It can also be used literally to describe something having greater weight than something else. The expression is common in both British and American English and is often more natural in formal writing than in casual conversation, where a simpler verb such as “beat” or “surpass” may be preferred.
verbTo be greater than something in weight, value, importance, or effect. It can also mean to weigh more than something.
- To be greater than something in weight, value, importance, or effect.
- To be heavier than something.
"The potential benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks involved."
"The evidence outweighs any doubts about the proposal."
"The package outweighs the maximum permitted baggage allowance."
Outweigh is the verbal opposite of being underestimated: it describes something whose value or impact is greater than another thing can counter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outweigh come from?
Outweigh is formed from the prefix out- and the verb weigh, both of which are of Germanic origin. Weigh itself developed from Old English wegan, related to forms meaning weight or heaviness, and the modern verb ultimately reflects the same Germanic and Old English roots found in weight and wight. Adding out- expresses the idea of being greater in weight, consequence, or value.
Related word forms
How outweigh is actually used
Commonly used in formal and professional contexts, especially when comparing benefits and drawbacks, risks and advantages, or competing evidence. It is transitive and is usually followed by an object naming what is exceeded.
Easily confused with outweigh
Weigh means to determine or measure the weight of something, whereas outweigh means to be heavier or more important than something else.