outweigh

/ˈaʊtˌweɪ/

/ˈaʊtweɪ/

Other forms: outweighed; outweighs; outweighing

To outweigh is to be heavier or more important than something (or someone). A preschooler's needs might outweigh those of his uncle, even if the uncle does outweigh him by 200 pounds.

Your Great Dane definitely outweighs your kitten, just like your car outweighs your bicycle and you outweigh the ant you just accidentally stepped on. If someone says "the benefits outweigh the risks," they mean that what can be gained is much more significant that what might be lost or risked: "I think you should apply for that scholarship; the benefits really outweigh the risks."

Definitions of outweigh

1. verb

   weigh more heavily
   “these considerations outweigh our wishes”

   synonyms: outbalance, overbalance, preponderate

   type of:

   dominate, predominate, prevail, reign, rule

   be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
2. verb

   be heavier than
   type of:

   exceed, outdo, outgo, outmatch, outperform, outstrip, surmount, surpass

   be or do something to a greater degree