B2adjective 2K

Precious

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈpreʃəs/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈpreʃəs/"]/

Meaning of Precious

rare and worth a lot of money

In simple words: Something very valuable or important.

Precious in a sentence

• 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!

How to use Precious

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!

Related words

Collocations with Precious

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

Synonyms for Precious

• treasured
• affected

Opposites of Precious

• valueless
• common
• ordinary

Common mistakes with Precious

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Precious

What does Precious mean?

Something very valuable or important.

What is the definition of Precious?

rare and worth a lot of money

How do you use Precious in a sentence?

a precious vase

Can you give another example of Precious?

The crown was set with precious jewels—diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

What are synonyms for Precious?

Common alternatives include treasured, affected.

What is the opposite of Precious?

Opposite meanings include valueless, common, ordinary.

What words go with Precious?

It commonly pairs with be, become, seem, extremely, very, incredibly, to, be, become, seem, extremely, very, incredibly, to, be, become, seem, extremely, very, incredibly, to.

What are common mistakes when using Precious?

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.

How do you pronounce Precious?

US: /["/ˈpreʃəs/"]/, UK: /["/ˈpreʃəs/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Precious?

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.

What CEFR level is Precious?

"Precious" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.