B2adjective2K

Precious

UK /["/ˈpreʃəs/"]/US /["/ˈpreʃəs/"]/

Definition

rare and worth a lot of money

In simple words: Something very valuable or important.

Examples

  • a precious vase
  • The crown was set with precious jewels—diamonds, rubies and emeralds.
  • precious metals
  • Clean water is a precious commodity in that part of the world.
  • You're wasting precious time!
  • **precious memories/possessions**
  • You are infinitely precious to me.
  • My family is the most precious thing I have in my life.
  • They managed to salvage a few precious possessions from the fire.
  • I didn't touch your precious car!

Usage notes

Use 'precious' to describe things that are cherished or hold significant value, both emotionally and materially. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts but may sound overly sentimental if used for minor items.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'precious' like treasure — imagine finding a precious gem!

Collocations

  • be
  • become
  • seem
  • extremely
  • very
  • incredibly
  • to
  • be
  • become
  • seem
  • extremely
  • very
  • incredibly
  • to
  • be
  • become
  • seem
  • extremely
  • very
  • incredibly
  • to

Synonyms

  • treasured
  • affected

Antonyms

  • valueless
  • common
  • ordinary

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'valuable' - 'precious' is often more emotional.
  • Incorrectly used for everyday items - reserve for significant items.
  • Using 'precious' too often in formal writing can seem exaggerated.