Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » precious

precious

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

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

(adjective)

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

See precious in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

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

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

adverb

Informal very

Related Forms:

preciously adverb
preciousness noun

See precious in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of high cost or worth; valuable.
Highly esteemed; cherished.
Dear; beloved.
Affectedly dainty or overrefined: precious mannerisms.
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

Related Forms:

preˈcious·ly adverb

preˈcious·ness noun

Learn more about precious

precious synonyms

precious in a sentence

precious quotes

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD

» more results...