Meaning of precious in English

Table of contents

Classifying Adjective
precious
Definitions
1. characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
Examples
- « a cherished friend »
- « children are precious »
- « a treasured heirloom »
- « so good to feel wanted »
Synonyms
- loved
2. of high worth or cost
Examples
- « diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are precious stones »
Synonyms
- valuable
3. obviously contrived to charm
Examples
- « an insufferably precious performance »
- « a child with intolerably cute mannerisms »
Synonyms
- artful
Adverb
precious
Definitions
1. extremely
Examples
- « there is precious little time left »

Famous quotes

« I've realized how precious life is. When I was younger, I was more adventurous. I felt invincible. I was game for everything. As a mom, I don't want to get injured because then I can't take care of my kids. »
Kristi Yamaguchi
« In remembering the appalling suffering of war on both sides, we recognise how precious is the peace we have built in Europe since 1945. »
Queen Elizabeth II
« Peace is much more precious than a piece of land... let there be no more wars. »
Anwar Sadat
« Life is short. I'm 47 years old. I've got 10 years to go where I can be the best I can be. I want those 10 years to be precious, not like before, cranking two or three movies a year. I've made a ton of movies in my life, but so what? »
Jean Claude Van Damme
« I'm not particularly precious about the theatrical experience any more. »
Edward Norton