featherweight
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈfɛðərˌweɪt/
KK: /ˈfɛðərˌweɪt/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a category of weight in sports, especially boxing, where the weight is very light, or describing something that is not serious or important.
Example
The featherweight champion defended his title successfully last night.
Conversation
Did you hear about the latest featherweight boxing match?
Yeah, I saw the highlights! It was pretty exciting.
I guess people often underestimate featherweight fighters, but they really pack a punch.
Absolutely! They might be lighter, but their skills are top-notch.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lightweight
insignificant
trivial
Antonyms
heavyweight
significant
important
noun
Definition
A person or thing that is very light in weight, often used to refer to a boxer in a specific weight class.
Example
The featherweight champion defended his title successfully last night.
Conversation
Did you watch the featherweight match last night?
Yeah, it was so exciting! Those fighters were really quick.
I can't believe how much energy they had for featherweight competitors.
Root Explanation
Featherweight is formed from "feather" (from Old English *feðer*, meaning a light, soft structure that covers birds) and "weight" (from Old English *wiht*, meaning a measure of heaviness). The term refers to a weight class in boxing or wrestling that is characterized by being very light, akin to the lightness of a feather.
Memory Tip
Think of a feather, which is very light, to remember that featherweight refers to a very light weight class.
Visually Confused Words
witherweight
welterweight
letterweight