Meaning & Definition of word "Precious"
Precious
/ˈprɛʃəs/
adjective:
- 1. Of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly.
- Example: The rare gemstones are considered precious and are stored in a secure vault.
- 2. Loved or cherished.
- Example: She held her precious memories of childhood close to her heart.
- 3. Having a high price or cost.
- Example: The artwork was precious, fetching millions at auction.
- 4. Affectedly refined or exotic.
- Example: He had a rather precious way of speaking that sometimes annoyed his friends.
Etymology
●Late Middle English: from Old French 'precieux' or Latin 'precious', from 'pretiosus', from 'pretium' meaning 'price'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
precious little:
Very little; almost none.
precious moments:
Valuable or treasured moments in life.
Related Words
priceless:
So precious that it cannot be assigned a value.
treasure:
A quantity of precious metals, gems, or other valuable objects.
Slang Meanings of precious
Meaning: Used affectionately to describe someone who is endearing or cute.
● Example Sentence: Look at that little kitten, it’s so precious!
Meaning: A term used to mock someone being overly dramatic.
● Example Sentence: Oh, your feelings are so precious, aren’t they?