lighter-weight
UK[ˌlaɪtə ˈweɪt]US[ˌlaɪt̬ər ˈweɪt]
adj
weighing less than average or than a standard version
n
a person or thing that is lighter in weight than others in the same category
Morpheme Breakdown
lighter
weight
lighter
less heavy
weight
measure of heaviness
Etymology
the compound 'lighter-weight' is a modern english formation, combining the comparative adjective 'lighter' with the noun 'weight'. the word 'light' originates from proto-germanic 'lingkhtaz', itself from pie 'lenk-', meaning 'to bend' or 'move lightly', which evolved to signify 'not heavy'. 'weight' derives from pie 'weǵh-', meaning 'to move, go, transport', leading to concepts of carrying and thus measuring heaviness. the logic of the compound is transparent, directly comparing the measure of heaviness to a standard, resulting in the meaning 'of less weight'.
Analysis
Structure: lighter (less heavy) + weight (measure of heaviness)
lighter: from old english 'leoht' (not heavy), comparative suffix '-er' added in middle english. functional role: comparative adjective modifying the noun.
weight: from old english 'wiht' (a thing, creature) and 'gewiht' (weight), influenced by old norse 'vætt'. functional role: noun forming the base concept.
Examples
she prefers a lighter-weight laptop for traveling.
this jacket is a lighter-weight version suitable for spring.
the boxer moved down to a lighter-weight class.