outweigh
UK[ˌaʊtˈweɪ]US[ˌaʊtˈweɪ]
v
to be greater or more important than something else in value, amount, or effect.
v
to be heavier than something.
Morpheme Breakdown
out
weigh
out
beyond, more than, to a greater degree
weigh
to measure the heaviness of
Etymology
the word "outweigh" is a transparent compound formed from two native english elements. the prefix "out-", from old english "ūt", carries the sense of surpassing or exceeding. the verb "weigh" originates from old english "wegan", meaning to carry or bear a load, which evolved to specifically denote measuring weight. the literal meaning, "to exceed in weight," is a direct combination of these parts. over time, the term naturally extended into metaphorical use, applying the concept of physical preponderance to abstract qualities like importance, value, or influence, where one factor is considered "heavier" or more significant than another.
Analysis
Structure: out + weigh
out (old english, prefix meaning "beyond, more than, to a greater degree"); weigh (old english, verb meaning "to measure the heaviness of")
Examples
the benefits of the new policy far outweigh the costs.
in any decision, safety considerations must outweigh all others.
her happiness at getting the job outweighed her disappointment about the salary.