A1adjective 1K

Expensive

UK //ɪkˈspɛnsɪv// US //ɪkˈspɛnsɪv// Pronunciation

Definition

Costing a lot of money.

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Examples

• This restaurant is too expensive for a casual dinner.
• She wears an expensive watch that sparkles.
• Buying a new car can be very expensive.
• The dress she wants is quite expensive, but beautiful.
• He thinks that living in the city is too expensive.

Usage notes

Used for items that cost more than average. Avoid using for inexpensive or cheap items.

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Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'expensive' like 'spending' - both involve money and costs.

Collocations

• expensive taste
• expensive hobby
• expensive gift

Synonyms

• costly
• pricy
• high-priced
• dear
• lavish

Antonyms

• cheap
• affordable
• inexpensive

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'costly', which has a similar but slightly different nuance.
• Using with a negative connotation inappropriately; 'expensive' is neutral.
• Incorrectly using 'expensive' in place of 'costly' in more formal contexts.