What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dear
Example
I love you, my dear. [dear: noun]
Example
This book is very dear to me. [dear: adjective]
Example
The car was too dear for my budget. [dear: adverb]
precious
Example
My family is the most precious thing in my life. [precious: adjective]
Example
The ring is a precious family heirloom. [precious: adjective]
Example
Time is a precious commodity that we should not waste. [precious: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dear is more common than precious in everyday language, but both words are used in various contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dear and precious?
Precious can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while dear is more commonly used in informal or personal contexts.
