1. Precious (adjective): Of great value, often due to rarity or sentimental significance.
2. Precious (adjective): Highly esteemed or cherished, often referring to loved ones or memories.
3. Precious (adjective): Affectedly refined or excessively dainty in manner or speech.
4. Precious (adverb, informal): Very or extremely, often used for emphasis.
5. Precious (noun, rare usage): A term of endearment for someone dear.
The word "precious" primarily refers to something of great value, worth, or importance, often due to rarity, beauty, or special meaning. It can also describe something cherished or beloved, as in "precious memories" or "precious moments." Additionally, "precious" is used to describe materials like metals or stones that are rare and valuable, such as gold or diamonds. Discover more about precious by exploring its meanings, origins, usage examples, and related forms.
The word "precious" carries a strong sense of value, sentimentality, and refinement. Below are its key meanings and their significance.
As an adjective, "precious" describes something of great material or sentimental worth, such as gold, gemstones, or cherished keepsakes.
The word can also be used to describe people or things that are emotionally dear, such as family members, memories, or moments.
In a more negative or humorous sense, "precious" can describe someone who is excessively delicate, fussy, or affected in behavior.
As an informal adverb, "precious" is sometimes used for emphasis, especially in phrases like "precious few" or "precious little."
Rarely, "precious" is used as a noun to refer to a beloved person, similar to "darling" or "sweetheart."
The word "precious" is primarily an adjective, describing things of great value or emotional importance. It can also function as an adverb in informal speech, emphasizing small quantities or limited amounts. Occasionally, it is used as a noun in affectionate expressions, though this is rare in modern English.
The pronunciation of "precious" is smooth and consists of two syllables. The first syllable, "pre," sounds like "preh" (rhyming with "fresh"). The second syllable, "cious," is pronounced like "shus," with a soft "sh" sound. Together, the word is pronounced quickly and fluidly.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈpreʃ.əs/
Understanding synonyms for "precious" allows for more diverse expression in speech and writing. Here are some alternatives:
Knowing antonyms of "precious" helps provide contrast and clarity in meaning. Here are some common ones:
Seeing "precious" in different contexts helps reinforce its meanings. Here are ten example sentences:
The word "precious" is frequently used in both spoken and written English, especially in emotional or valuable contexts. It appears in literature, films, and everyday speech, often describing sentimental or rare objects, relationships, and situations. Its use has remained steady over time, with occasional spikes in cultural relevance due to literature and film references.
The word "precious" has some variations and related forms that change slightly depending on context:
Many words are related to "precious," either in meaning or usage:
The word "precious" comes from the Latin word *pretiosus*, meaning "costly" or "valuable." It passed into Old French as *precieux* before entering Middle English as "precious." Over time, its meaning expanded from purely material value to include sentimental and emotional significance. The word is also famously associated with literature and popular culture, such as in *The Lord of the Rings*, where the phrase "my precious" is used as a term of obsessive endearment.
Several words derive from "precious," extending its use across different contexts:
Some common spelling mistakes of "precious" include:
Here are ten idioms that relate to the meaning of "precious":
Frequently asked questions about "precious" help clarify its meaning and different uses.
1. What is the basic definition of "precious"?
"Precious" refers to something of great value, either materially or emotionally, often due to its rarity or importance.
2. How is "precious" used in everyday conversation?
People use "precious" to describe valuable objects, beloved people, or sentimental things, such as "this necklace is precious to me."
3. What is an example of "precious" in literature?
A famous example is from *The Lord of the Rings*, where Gollum refers to the One Ring as "my precious."
4. What is the difference between "precious" and "priceless"?
"Precious" means highly valuable, while "priceless" means so valuable that it cannot be measured or replaced.
5. Can "precious" be used negatively?
Yes, when describing someone as "precious," it can imply that they are overly delicate, fussy, or self-important.
6. What are some common phrases using "precious"?
Common phrases include "precious few" (meaning very little), "precious stone" (gemstone), and "my precious" (term of endearment).
7. What is a "precious metal"?
A "precious metal" refers to rare and valuable metals like gold, silver, or platinum.
8. How do you use "precious" as an adverb?
In informal speech, "precious" can mean "very," such as "There was precious little time left."
9. Is "precious" used more in formal or informal speech?
"Precious" is used in both, but its sentimental meaning is more common in formal speech, while its exaggerative use is informal.
10. What is the noun form of "precious"?
The noun form is "preciousness," referring to the quality of being highly valued or cherished.
The word "precious" describes something of great worth, whether due to material value, emotional attachment, or sentimental significance. It is a versatile word used in various contexts, from describing rare gemstones to expressing deep affection. Learning and using words like "precious" enhances vocabulary and enriches communication.
