The phrase "weigh down" is spelled as w-e-i-g-h d-o-w-n, pronounced as /weɪ daʊn/. The word "weigh" is spelled with "e-i-g-h," which may seem counterintuitive given that "way" is spelled with "a-y." This is because "weigh" is derived from Old English and its spelling has remained unchanged over time. "Down" is spelled as it is pronounced with "d-o-w-n." Together, "weigh down" means to burden or depress, such as when heavy emotions weigh down a person's thoughts.
The phrase "weigh down" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of burdening or causing discomfort or distress to someone or something. It implies putting pressure or an excessive load that results in a lowered state or impeded progress in various contexts.
In a physical sense, "weighing down" refers to the act of placing a heavy object or objects on someone or something, intentionally or unintentionally, making it harder to move or function properly. For example, one might say, "The heavy suitcases weighed me down as I tried to climb the stairs."
In a metaphorical sense, "weighing down" pertains to psychological or emotional burdens that hinder progress or create feelings of sorrow or fatigue. It can refer to the stress caused by responsibilities, expectations, or worries that cause a person to feel overwhelmed or restrained.
Furthermore, "weighing down" can also describe the negative impact of one's mistakes or bad decisions that impede personal growth or success. For instance, someone might say, "The financial debt from his past investments is weighing him down and preventing him from pursuing new opportunities."
Overall, "weighing down" encompasses the concept of hindrance, burden, or pressure that limits movement, progress, or well-being either physically, emotionally, or metaphorically, depending on the context.
The word "weigh down" has a straightforward etymology. The word "weigh" comes from the Old English word "wegan", which means "to carry, move, or weigh". The word "down" in this context means to lower or make something heavier. The phrase "weigh down" therefore means to make something heavy or burdensome, typically referring to a physical or metaphorical load or pressure.