What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heavy
Example
The box was too heavy for me to carry alone. [heavy: adjective]
Example
She felt heavy-hearted after the loss of her pet. [heavy: adjective]
Example
The heavy silence in the room made everyone uncomfortable. [heavy: adjective]
weighty
Example
The book is full of weighty ideas and philosophical concepts. [weighty: adjective]
Example
The weighty matter of climate change requires urgent attention. [weighty: adjective]
Example
The CEO's weighty decision to merge with another company had far-reaching consequences. [weighty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heavy is more commonly used than weighty in everyday language, while weighty is more formal and academic.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heavy and weighty?
Weighty is more formal and academic than heavy, making it suitable for use in professional or academic contexts where a more elevated tone is required.
