The phrase "weighed upon" is often spelled with the combination of the letters "ei" in the word "weighed" causing confusion with the word "weighted." In IPA phonetic transcription, "weighed" /weɪd/ is pronounced with a long "a" sound as in "way" and "d" sound at the end. "Upon" /əˈpɒn/ is pronounced with a schwa sound for the first syllable and the "p" sound at the beginning. "Weighed upon" means to have a heavy burden or responsibility that is overwhelming.
"Weighed upon" is a phrasal verb that can have both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to the physical pressure or burden placed on an object or a person due to the force of gravity or the heaviness of something. In this sense, it is commonly used to describe the act of measuring the weight of an object using a scale or a balance.
Figuratively, "weighed upon" indicates the emotional or psychological burden that one carries. It refers to a feeling of being oppressed, burdened, or overwhelmed by something, such as responsibilities, problems, guilt, or grief. This weight can have a negative impact on a person's mental and emotional well-being, causing them to feel tired, stressed, or anxious.
To say that someone or something "weighs upon" another person implies that their presence, actions, or circumstances have a heavy influence on the latter's thoughts and emotions. It could suggest that the individual or situation has a substantial impact, creating a feeling of pressure or obligation. This phrasal verb can also express a sense of constraint or limitation, where someone feels restricted or unable to fully express themselves due to external factors or societal expectations.
Overall, "weighed upon" captures the idea of a burdensome or oppressive force, whether literal or abstract, that affects an individual physically, emotionally, or mentally.
The phrase "weighed upon" comprises two words: "weighed" and "upon".
The term "weighed" is derived from the Old English word "weg" or "wege", meaning "weight". The Old English verb "weigan" means "to carry or move" something heavy.
The word "upon" comes from the Old English preposition "uppan", which evolved from the Germanic "ufana". It denotes a physical or metaphorical position on top of or in contact with something.
When combined, "weighed upon" conveys the idea of feeling burdened or oppressed by something, as if a heavy weight rests on one's shoulders.