How does the noun weight differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms of weight are consequence, importance, moment, and significance. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.
the argument carried no weight with the judge
When might consequence be a better fit than weight?
The synonyms consequence and weight are sometimes interchangeable, but consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.
the style you choose is of little consequence
When is it sensible to use importance instead of weight?
In some situations, the words importance and weight are roughly equivalent. However, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.
a region with no cities of importance
Where would moment be a reasonable alternative to weight?
While in some cases nearly identical to weight, moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.
a decision of great moment
When can significance be used instead of weight?
The words significance and weight can be used in similar contexts, but significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized.
the treaty's significance
Originally posted here:
298 Synonyms & Antonyms of WEIGHT - Merriam-Webster
