ab|wägen
Translation
to weigh up, to consider, to balance
Examples
Wir müssen die Vor- und Nachteile abwägen.
We have to weigh up the pros and cons.
Sie wägt ihre Worte sorgfältig ab.
She weighs her words carefully.
Man muss die Risiken gegen den Nutzen abwägen.
One must weigh the risks against the benefits.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to weigh sth. up You should abwägen all the options.
((sth.)) ((against sth.)) to weigh sth. against sth. We must abwägen the benefits against the risks.
Similar Words
Synonyms: erwägen, bedenken, überlegen; Antonyms: ignorieren
Etymology
From 'ab-' (off, thoroughly) and 'wägen' (to weigh). It implies weighing something up completely before making a decision.
Memory Tips
Imagine putting options on a scale ('Waage') to 'wägen' (weigh) them. The prefix 'ab-' suggests a final, thorough weighing process.