1.
relative importance; priority; significance
the degree of importance or priority given to something
罪の軽重を判断する。
To judge the severity of a crime.
仕事の軽重に応じて担当を決める。
To assign responsibilities according to the importance of the work.
命の軽重は問えない。
One cannot weigh the value of lives.
税金の軽重は収入によって決まる。
Tax burden is determined by income.
責任の軽重にかかわらず全員で対応する。
We will respond as a team regardless of the level of responsibility.
2.
light and heavy; weight difference
the physical difference in weight between things
荷物の軽重を確認する。
To check the weight of the luggage.
軽重 is a compound of 軽 (light) + 重 (heavy), used figuratively for relative importance.
USAGE:
Sense 1 (relative importance/severity) is the primary modern usage. The physical "light and heavy" meaning is less common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 軽重を問う: to question the relative importance
- 軽重を判断する: to judge severity
- 罪の軽重: severity of a crime
- 責任の軽重: degree of responsibility
REGISTER:
Formal word often used in legal, business, and academic contexts.