French word

peser

Pronunciation

IPA/pəze/

Meaning

  • verbweigh

Example

Je vais peser la valise sur la balance.

I am going to weigh the suitcase on the scale.

Illustration for peser (weigh)

More examples

Il sait peser ses mots quand il parle en public.

He knows how to weigh his words when he speaks in public.

Core concept

An object tips a balance, while the same weighing image compares the importance or consequences of an idea.

Common phrases

  • peser les mots

    weigh one's words

  • peser la marchandise

    weigh the merchandise

  • peser la valise sur la balance

    weigh the suitcase on the scale

Similar words

mesurer: To measure length, weight, or another quantity accurately with an instrument or standard.
estimer: To make a rough estimate of an amount or value.

Definition in French

Mettre quelque chose sur une balance pour connaître son poids ; au sens figuré, évaluer la valeur, les conséquences ou l'impact d'une chose ou d'un propos.

Word origin

French peser comes from Latin pensare, an intensive form related to pendere, meaning to weigh, and later developed figurative senses of assessing influence or importance.

Usage tips

  • The construction peser sur means to weigh on or affect something, as in peser sur une décision.

Other meanings

  • considerverb

Related words

  • peséeweighingnoun
  • pèse-personnebathroom scalenoun

Word lists with this word