Differences between weigh down and weigh on
Weigh down means to make something heavy or burdensome, while weigh on means to cause someone to feel anxious, worried, or depressed.
Meanings and Definitions: weigh down vs weigh on
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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.
Weigh on
- 1Make someone consider carefully.
The issues raised WEIGHED ON her mind.
Usage Examples: weigh down, weigh on in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
weigh down
Example
The heavy backpack weighs down the hiker.
Example
The responsibility weighs her down every day.
weigh on
Example
The decision to move abroad weighed on him for weeks.
Example
The responsibility of being a parent weighs on her every day.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Weigh down
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Weigh on
hang over
To cause a feeling of anxiety or guilt that lingers after a particular event or situation.
Example
The argument with his friend was hanging over him and affecting his mood all day.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “weigh”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Phrasal Verbs with “on”
Differences in weigh down vs weigh on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: weigh down or weigh on?
Both phrases are used in everyday conversation, but weigh down is more common. It's often used to describe physical objects that are heavy or difficult to carry. Weigh on is less common and usually used to describe emotional or mental burdens.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of weigh down and weigh on
Both weigh down and weigh on are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, weigh on can be used in more formal settings like writing or speeches to convey a serious tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of weigh down and weigh on
The tone of weigh down is usually neutral or negative, as it describes something that is heavy or burdensome. On the other hand, weigh on has a negative connotation and often carries a sad or anxious tone.