Differences between hunker down and weigh down

Hunker down means to stay in one place and take shelter, often during a storm or difficult situation. Weigh down means to make something heavy or burdensome.

Meanings and Definitions: hunker down vs weigh down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hunker down

1Settle in a place as comfortably as possible to stay there.
The troops HUNKERED DOWN in the building.

Weigh down

1To make someone feel burdened or heavy.
Duplicates of applications and identification papers weigh down my hands.
2To burden or make someone feel heavy or tired.
If you weigh yourself down you’ll get very tired.
3To burden or make someone feel heavy or overwhelmed.
The waiters were weighed down by huge trays of food.

Usage Examples: hunker down, weigh down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hunker down

Example

During the storm, the family hunkered down in the basement.

Example

She hunkers down in her room to study for the exam.

weigh down

Example

The heavy backpack weighs down the hiker.

Example

The responsibility weighs her down every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hunker down

take cover

To seek shelter or protection from danger or harm.

Example

When the tornado warning was issued, we quickly took cover in the basement.

batten down the hatches

To prepare for a difficult or dangerous situation by securing or protecting oneself and one's belongings.

Example

As the hurricane approached, we battened down the hatches by boarding up the windows and stocking up on supplies.

ride out

To endure or survive a difficult or challenging situation.

Example

Despite the power outage, we managed to ride out the storm by playing board games and telling stories.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Weigh down

burden with

To load or burden someone or something with a heavy weight or responsibility.

Example

The high taxes burdened the citizens with additional financial stress.

drag down

To lower or reduce the quality, value, or success of something.

Example

The negative reviews dragged down the restaurant's reputation and sales.

bear down on

To put pressure or weight on something or someone, often causing stress or difficulty.

Example

The approaching deadline bore down on her, making it hard to focus on anything else.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “weigh”

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

Differences in hunker down vs weigh down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: hunker down or weigh down?

In daily conversation, people use hunker down more often than weigh down. This is because hunker down is used for more common situations like staying indoors during a storm or taking shelter during a crisis. Weigh down is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about making something heavy or burdensome.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hunker down and weigh down

Hunker down and weigh down are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hunker down and weigh down

The tone of hunker down and weigh down can differ based on context. Hunker down often carries a sense of urgency or caution, especially when related to weather or safety. On the other hand, weigh down typically has a negative connotation, implying that something is too heavy or burdensome.

hunker down & weigh down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Hunker down

Synonyms

nestle
settle in
bunker down
take shelter
stay put
dig in
hole up
get comfortable

Antonyms

Weigh down

Synonyms

Antonyms