The phrase "weighs on" is spelled with the combination of the letters "eigh" pronounced as /weɪ/, while the "s" sound is pronounced as /z/. The word "weigh" is a tricky one for non-native English speakers, as it is spelled differently than it is pronounced. However, with some practice, one can learn to spell and pronounce this phrase correctly. The meaning of this phrase is to feel a burden or weight of something mentally or emotionally.
Weighs on is a phrasal verb that implies a burden or pressure on someone's mind, emotions, or conscience. It is commonly used to describe a feeling of heaviness or psychological strain resulting from a particular situation, thought, or responsibility. When something weighs on a person, it continually occupies their thoughts, causing them anxiety, sadness, guilt, or other negative emotions.
The phrase can also express the idea of a persistent problem or concern that affects and influences someone's decision-making or actions. It suggests that the issue at hand carries considerable importance or significance that cannot be easily dismissed or ignored.
For instance, if someone is facing a difficult decision, the various consequences and conflicting factors might weigh on their mind. Similarly, a past mistake can continue to weigh on a person's conscience, affecting their emotional well-being and behavior.
Additionally, "weighs on" can refer to a physical heaviness that falls upon someone, making their body feel burdened or fatigued. This usage commonly conveys the idea of being physically or mentally exhausted under the weight of certain circumstances or responsibilities.
Overall, "weighs on" implies a persistent and heavy influence that affects someone emotionally, mentally, morally, or physically, often causing discomfort, distress, or fatigue.
The etymology of the phrase "weighs on" can be understood by examining the origins and meanings of the constituent words.
1. Weigh: The verb "weigh" comes from the Old English word "wegan", which means "to carry, bear, move, or transport". It derives from the Proto-Germanic word "weganan", meaning "to transport". Over time, the meaning of "weigh" evolved to include the concept of determining the weight of an object. In figurative terms, "weigh" is used to express the burden or evaluation of something mentally or emotionally.
2. On: The preposition "on" comes from the Old English word "on", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "ana". It conveys the idea of being in or at a particular place or position.