Meaning of the word precious in English

What does precious mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

precious

US /ˈpreʃ.əs/

UK /ˈpreʃ.əs/

of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly

Example:

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Water is a precious resource in the desert.

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Time is precious, so don't waste it.

Synonym:

valuable costly expensive rare cherished

(of a person or thing) much loved or cherished

Example:

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My grandmother's ring is very precious to me.

•

She held the baby in her arms, a truly precious moment.

Synonym:

cherished beloved dear treasured adored

used ironically to express disapproval of something considered to be affected, overrefined, or excessively delicate

Example:

•

Oh, your precious little feelings are hurt?

•

He's always so precious about his hair.

Synonym:

affected overrefined delicate finicky fastidious

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Related Word:

precious stone precious metal