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weigh up

to consider carefully

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to consider the advantages and disadvantages of something before deciding

2. (verb) to estimate or judge the importance or value of something

Examples

• 1. We need to weigh up the costs and benefits before making a final decision.
• 2. The judge will weigh up the evidence carefully before reaching a verdict.

How to use weigh up

Weigh up is a phrasal verb used when someone carefully considers different aspects of a decision or situation before forming a judgment. It emphasizes the balancing of competing factors, often with the sense of deliberation and judgment. It is slightly less formal than 'weigh' alone and more conversational, commonly used in both spoken and written English.

Common phrases

• weigh up the options
• weigh up the pros and cons
• weigh up the evidence
• weigh up the risks
• carefully weigh up

Synonyms

weigh · consider · evaluate · assess · deliberate on

Word family

weigh · weighing · weighed · weight

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'weigh up' with 'weigh out', which means to measure or divide something by weight; remember 'weigh up' is about evaluation, not physical measurement.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

turn up, watch out, wear off, work out, wind up, wrap up

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained