Langimage
English

lightweight

|light/weight|

B1

/ˈlaɪtˌweɪt/

not heavy

Etymology
Etymology Information

'lightweight' originates from the combination of 'light' and 'weight', where 'light' meant 'not heavy' and 'weight' referred to 'mass or heaviness'.

Historical Evolution

'lightweight' evolved from the Old English word 'leoht' (light) and 'wiht' (weight), eventually forming the modern English word 'lightweight'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not heavy', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person or thing that is of less than average weight.

The boxer competed in the lightweight category.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

having less than average weight; not heavy.

She bought a lightweight jacket for the summer.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42