Weight refers to the force exerted by gravity on an object, while mass is the amount of matter in the object. Weight is measured in units like newtons or pounds, and it can change depending on gravity. Mass is measured in kilograms or grams and remains constant regardless of location. Understanding weight and mass is essential for science, cooking, and everyday tasks like shipping.
In this section, we will learn about the vocabulary related to weight and mass, including how to measure, compare, and describe them. We will also cover common units and expressions used in English.
Weight Vocabulary
Weight vocabulary helps you talk about how heavy something is, how to measure it, and how to compare weights.
Common Terms
The following terms are commonly used when discussing weight:
| English Term | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| weight | The measurement of how heavy something is | The weight of the package is 5 kilograms. |
| heavy | Having a lot of weight | The suitcase is very heavy. |
| light | Having little weight | This box is light. |
| scale | A device used to measure weight | She stepped on the scale in the morning. |
| weigh | To measure how heavy something is | Can you weigh the apples? |
| balance | A device for comparing weights | Use the balance to measure the powder. |
| pound (lb) | A unit of weight commonly used in the US | The bag weighs 10 pounds. |
| kilogram (kg) | A unit of mass in the metric system | The watermelon is 2 kilograms. |
| ounce (oz) | A small unit of weight | This chocolate bar is 3 ounces. |
| gram (g) | A small unit of mass in the metric system | The recipe calls for 100 grams of sugar. |
Measurement Tools
Here are some tools and devices used to measure weight:
| English Term | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| scale | A device to measure weight | I bought a new digital scale. |
| bathroom scale | A scale used to weigh people | She checked her weight on the bathroom scale. |
| kitchen scale | A scale for weighing food | Use the kitchen scale to measure flour. |
| balance scale | A scale that compares two weights | The jeweler used a balance scale. |
| spring scale | A scale that measures weight by spring tension | Weigh the fish with a spring scale. |
Descriptive Words
These words help describe weight in everyday conversation:
| English Term | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| heavy | Having a lot of weight | That box is heavy. |
| light | Not heavy | The bag is light. |
| overweight | Above a normal weight | The cat is slightly overweight. |
| underweight | Below a normal weight | The baby is underweight. |
| weightless | Having no weight (e.g., in space) | Astronauts feel weightless in orbit. |
Weight-Related Verbs
These verbs are commonly used when talking about weight:
| English Term | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| weigh | To measure weight | Please weigh the potatoes. |
| lift | To pick something up | He can lift 50 kilograms. |
| carry | To hold and move something | She carries heavy bags. |
| measure | To find the size, amount, or weight | Measure the weight before shipping. |
| reduce | To make something smaller or lighter | He wants to reduce his weight. |
Phrases and Expressions
These are useful phrases for talking about weight:
| English Term | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| weigh in | To check one's weight | She weighed in at 60 kilograms. |
| carry weight | To be heavy or important | This box carries a lot of weight. |
| weight off one’s shoulders | Feeling relieved | It’s a weight off my shoulders. |
| lighter than air | Very light | The balloon is lighter than air. |
| heavy lifting | Hard physical work | He did the heavy lifting. |
Select the correct word to complete the sentence: "The balloon is lighter than _____."
air
The phrase "lighter than air" is a common expression meaning very light.
Mass Vocabulary
Mass vocabulary helps you discuss the amount of matter in an object, which is constant regardless of location.
Common Terms
These are basic terms related to mass:
| English Term | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| mass | The amount of matter in an object | The mass of the object is 10 kg. |
| matter | The substance that makes up everything | All solids, liquids, and gases are matter. |
| substance | A type of matter | Water is a common substance. |
| volume | The amount of space something takes | The volume of the liquid is 2 liters. |
| density | Mass per unit volume | Density = mass ÷ volume. |
Units of Mass
These are the standard units used to measure mass:
| English Term | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| kilogram (kg) | The main unit of mass in the metric system | The bag weighs 5 kilograms. |
| gram (g) | A smaller unit of mass | The powder is 250 grams. |
| milligram (mg) | One-thousandth of a gram | The medicine dose is 500 mg. |
| metric ton | ,000 kilograms | The shipment weighs 2 metric tons. |
| pound (lb) | Unit of mass used in the US customary system | The package weighs 20 pounds. |
| ounce (oz) | A small unit of mass | The letter weighs 3 ounces. |
Scientific Terms
These terms are often used in science when discussing mass:
| English Term | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| inertia | Resistance to change in motion | Mass gives an object inertia. |
| gravitational force | The force of gravity on an object | Weight is gravitational force on mass. |
| atomic mass | Mass of an atom | Hydrogen has an atomic mass of 1. |
| molecule | A group of atoms bonded together | Water is made of molecule H2O. |
| scale | A device to measure mass or weight | Use the scale to find the mass. |
Verbs Related to Mass
These verbs are useful for describing actions involving mass:
| English Term | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| measure | To find the amount or size | Measure the mass of the sample. |
| calculate | To determine mathematically | Calculate the density using mass and volume. |
| compare | To examine differences or similarities | Compare the masses of two objects. |
| convert | To change from one unit to another | Convert grams to kilograms. |
| balance | To make equal in weight or mass | Balance the two sides of the scale. |
Phrases and Expressions
These phrases commonly appear in discussions about mass:
| English Term | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| mass production | Making large quantities in factories | The company uses mass production. |
| mass media | Media that reaches a large audience | Television is a form of mass media. |
| center of mass | The point where mass is concentrated | Find the center of mass of the object. |
| mass transfer | Movement of mass from one place to another | Evaporation is a type of mass transfer. |
| take mass into account | Consider the mass when calculating | Take mass into account in your measurements. |
Summary
Weight and mass are related but different concepts. Weight is a force that depends on gravity, while mass is the amount of matter in an object. Weight can change depending on location, but mass stays the same. Both have their own vocabulary, units, and usage. Knowing these words helps you talk about science, cooking, shopping, and more.
Flashcards (1 of 56)
- Description: The measurement of how heavy something is
- Example Sentence: The weight of the package is 5 kilograms.
- English Term: weight
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
