light-weight

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A boxer of a specific weight class: "light-weight" refers to a professional boxer weighing between 130 and 135 pounds (according to standard boxing classifications).
   • An unimportant or insignificant person: Informally, "light-weight" describes someone who lacks influence, importance, or substance.

2. Adjective:

   • Of a light weight: Describing an object that is not heavy, easy to carry or handle.
   • Of little consequence: Characterizing something as trivial, frivolous, or lacking seriousness.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The light-weight won the championship bout with ease. (A boxer in the light-weight class.)
  • Don't worry about his criticisms; he's a light-weight in the industry. (An unimportant person.)

• Adjective:

  • She bought a light-weight jacket for the spring weather. (A jacket that is not heavy.)
  • The article was a light-weight piece on celebrity gossip. (A trivial or frivolous article.)

Advanced Usage

• "light-weight champion": the title holder in the light-weight boxing division.

  • He trained for years to become the light-weight champion. (The top boxer in that weight class.)

• "light-weight material": a substance that is low in density or mass.

  • The backpack is made of light-weight material for hiking. (A fabric that is easy to carry.)

• "a light-weight conversation": a discussion that is superficial or not deep.

  • We had a light-weight conversation about the weather. (Casual, unimportant talk.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lightweight (adj, n): alternative spelling, often used as a single word.

  • He is a lightweight drinker. (Someone who cannot tolerate much alcohol.)

• Lightness (n): the quality of being light in weight or spirit.

  • The lightness of the fabric made it ideal for summer. (Lack of heaviness.)

Synonyms

• Feathery: extremely light in weight.
• Trivial: of little importance or value.
• Insignificant: lacking importance or influence.

Phrasal Verbs

• Lighten up: to become less serious or heavy.
  • You need to lighten up and enjoy the party. (Relax and be less serious.)

Related Idioms

• Light as a feather: extremely light in weight.

  • The new laptop is light as a feather. (Very easy to carry.)

• Lightweight in the ring: a boxer in the light-weight class.

  • He is a lightweight in the ring, but a heavyweight in business. (A boxer of that class.)