precious

The definition of precious is something of great value or that is greatly loved.

(adjective)

  1. An example of precious is priceless jewelry.
  2. An example of precious is your spouse.

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See precious in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. of great price or value; costly
  2. of great desirability; held in high esteem: precious rights
  3. beloved; dear
  4. very fastidious, overrefined, or affected, as in behavior, language, etc.
  5. very great: a precious liar

Origin: ME < OFr precios < L pretiosus < pretium, price

adverb

Informal very

Related Forms:

See precious in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Of high cost or worth; valuable.
  2. Highly esteemed; cherished.
  3. Dear; beloved.
  4. Affectedly dainty or overrefined: precious mannerisms.
  5. Informal Thoroughgoing; unmitigated: a precious mess.
noun
One who is dear or beloved; a darling.
adverb
Used as an intensive: “He had precious little right to complain” (James Agee).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French precios

Origin: , from Latin pretiōsus

Origin: , from pretium, price; see per-5 in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • preˈcious·ly adverb
  • preˈcious·ness noun

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