Phrasal verb
weigh up
To weigh up means to consider something carefully before making a decision.
Meanings
To consider and compare different facts or options in order to make a decision.
To assess how good, important, or likely something is by thinking about the evidence.
Definition
To weigh up something is to think about it in a careful, balanced way before deciding what to do. You compare the advantages and disadvantages, or different options, to choose the best one. It is often used when the decision is important or not easy.
Examples
- I need a day to weigh up the offer before I reply.
- She weighed up the pros and cons and chose to move abroad.
- We’re weighing up whether to buy a new car or repair the old one.
- He weighed up his chances and decided not to risk it.
Common mistake
Learners often say "weigh out" when they mean "weigh up" for considering options, but "weigh out" is mainly about measuring an amount.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.