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precious

pre·cious

precious

 
 
pronunciation:
pre shs
parts of speech:
adjective, adverb
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: of great worth or value.
Gold is a precious metal.Fossil fuels are becoming ever more precious.
synonyms:
costly, expensive, valuable
antonyms:
valueless, worthless
similar words:
dear, golden, invaluable, irreplaceable, priceless, rare, rich
definition 2: highly esteemed or valued emotionally, exalted.
The princess was precious to her people.That necklace was precious to me because my grandmother gave it to me.
synonyms:
cherished, esteemed, exalted, treasured, valued
similar words:
admirable, estimable, honored, notable, worthy
definition 3: affected or excessively refined.
I detest that precious way of speaking she has.
synonyms:
affected, cute, dainty, effete, fastidious, mannered
antonyms:
unaffected
similar words:
cutesy, mincing, pretentious, studied
definition 4: beloved or cherished.
Nothing is more precious to her than her children.Our cat is a precious pet in our family.
synonyms:
beloved, cherished, darling, dear, sweet
similar words:
favorite, pet, treasured
definition 5: very cute; charming; adorable.
That little pink sweater you got for the baby is precious!The way that child smiles is just precious.
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part of speech: adverb
definition: very.
You have precious little time to waste.We had precious little money in those days.
synonyms:
exceedingly, extremely, very
similar words:
damned
derivations: preciously (adv.), preciousness (n.)
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  love, rock, stone
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