To outweigh something means to be greater in importance, value, or effect than something else; to be more significant or influential. This comparison typically involves a judgment where one factor is deemed more impactful or crucial than another. The term implies a balance or comparison, where one aspect 'tips the scales' in its favor. Often used when evaluating options, consequences, or competing interests, it highlights a prioritization of one element over another, signifying that the dominating aspect is of greater consequence, relevance or significance in a particular situation or in a judgment of them both. The subject doing the outweighing holds the dominant position in relation to another factor, be it positive or negative.
Outweighs meaning with examples
- The benefits of the new energy policy far outweigh its initial costs. While implementing the new regulations will require substantial investment, the long-term environmental advantages and economic gains related to sustainable power sources make the expenditure worthwhile and show more benefit. We think the positive impacts are a far greater consideration. The sustainability aspects, when looked at in the entirety of its lifespan, prove its value.
- Concerns about privacy should not always outweigh the pressing need to protect national security. During times of conflict or heightened threat, intelligence gathering and national defense often take precedence. When weighing the value of individual privacy with the safety of an entire population, the need to keep the community safe can be deemed the most important element in that analysis and should lead policy decisions.
- Her commitment to her family consistently outweighs her personal career ambitions. Despite receiving attractive job offers that would elevate her career, she consistently chooses to dedicate her time and energy to supporting her family. While there might have been more lucrative prospects, those options would come second to the priority of her family. This demonstrates the strength of her familial dedication.
- The potential risks of the experiment, though significant, are outweighed by the promise of groundbreaking discoveries. Although the tests could pose certain problems, the opportunity to advance scientific knowledge and to improve quality of life is the most important factor here. Scientists are willing to accept certain risks as long as they are outweighed by the chance for large discoveries.
Outweighs Synonyms
dominates eclipses exceeds offsets overshadows prevails over supersedes surpasses transcendsOutweighs Antonyms
is less significant than is outweighed by is secondary to loses out to underweightsOutweighs Crossword Answers
12 Letters
OVERBALANCES