Featherweight

Featherweight, primarily used as an adjective, describes something or someone characterized by lightness, smallness, and minimal impact. It often implies a lack of weightiness, significance, or substance, both literally and figuratively. This can refer to the physical weight of an object or person, or the perceived importance or depth of a concept, argument, or action. The term suggests a delicate or fragile nature, easily swayed or overcome. In boxing and other combat sports, 'featherweight' is also a noun specifying a weight class for competitors, reflecting the relatively lower body weight requirements. The word evokes a sense of airiness and insubstantiality, contrasting with heavier, more substantial, and potentially more powerful counterparts. It can be applied to physical items, artistic styles, or even personality traits.

Featherweight meaning with examples

• The dancer moved with a featherweight grace, barely disturbing the dust on the stage. Her movements were so light and airy; they almost seemed to defy gravity. Her featherweight shoes and attire assisted with her delicate, balanced steps and leaps, making the performance seem effortless and fluid. The audience was captivated by the beautiful and light choreography.
• The company's marketing strategy employed a featherweight approach, relying on subtle suggestions and gentle persuasion rather than aggressive sales tactics. Their goal was to build strong brand recognition using a low-pressure campaign. The methods used included creating engaging content and fostering customer loyalty through various creative strategies in order to gain positive responses.
• The politician's featherweight promises, lacking any concrete plans, failed to convince the electorate, and left them wanting. Voters felt the proposals were without substance or seriousness and failed to address their specific needs. The voters' responses showed the public wanted more defined and significant improvements, rather than just talk.
• The author’s featherweight prose, characterized by simple sentences and a lack of complex ideas, appealed to a younger readership, due to the easy-to-read format. The stories were enjoyable, with good character development. The simplified stories and themes were appreciated by the intended group. However, critics felt that the narratives lacked depth for other more complex and older readers.
• In the boxing match, the featherweight boxer used his speed and agility to evade his opponent's heavier blows. He quickly danced away from his opponent, using jabs and fast footwork. His featherweight build, in contrast to his opponent, allowed him to avoid heavy damage and maintain his speed to win the match.