gem Definition
- 1a precious or semiprecious stone, especially when cut and polished or engraved
- 2a person or thing considered to be outstandingly good or special in some respect
Using gem: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gem" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She wore a necklace with a large gemstone.
Example
The museum has a collection of rare gems.
Example
That restaurant is a real gem.
Example
This book is a gem of historical research.
gem Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using gem
Example
He may seem unimpressive now, but I think he's a diamond in the rough.
to have a valuable resource or opportunity that is not being fully utilized
Example
The company is sitting on a gold mine of data that could be used for market research.
Example
She's a rare bird in the world of politics, always speaking her mind and standing up for what she believes in.
Phrases with gem
Example
This small town is a hidden gem, with beautiful scenery and friendly people.
Example
My grandmother was a gem of a person, always putting others before herself.
Example
Her suggestion for a new marketing campaign was a real gem of an idea.
Origins of gem
from Latin 'gemma', meaning 'precious stone'
Summary: gem in Brief
A 'gem' [dʒem] is either a precious or semiprecious stone that has been cut and polished or engraved, or a person or thing that is considered outstandingly good or special. Examples of the former include 'She wore a necklace with a large gemstone,' while the latter is exemplified by 'That restaurant is a real gem.' The term extends into phrases like 'hidden gem,' which denotes something of high quality or value that is not well known, and idioms like 'to be sitting on a gold mine,' which implies having a valuable resource or opportunity that is not being fully utilized.
