precious

[ˈpreʃəs]

precious Definition

• 1. of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly
• 2. very loved or cherished

Using precious: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "precious" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The ring is made of precious metals and stones.

• Example

  Time with family is precious to me.

• Example

  She gave me a precious gift for my birthday.

• Example

  The precious moments we spent together will always be remembered.

precious Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for precious

• valuable
• priceless
• treasured
• beloved
• dear

Antonyms for precious

• worthless
• cheap
• disposable

Idioms Using precious

• a precious gem

  someone or something that is rare and highly valued

  Example

  She is a precious gem in our company, always going above and beyond her duties.

• a precious memory

  a special moment or experience that is cherished and remembered fondly

  Example

  The trip to Paris was a precious memory that they shared together.

• handle with kid gloves

  to treat someone or something very delicately and carefully

  Example

  The antique vase was very fragile, so we had to handle it with kid gloves.

Phrases with precious

• precious little

  very little, almost none

  Example

  There was precious little time left to finish the project.

• precious few

  very few, almost none

  Example

  There were precious few people at the party.

• precious cargo

  something or someone that is very valuable and needs to be protected

  Example

  The truck was carrying precious cargo that needed to be delivered on time.

Origins of precious

from Old French 'precios', from Latin 'pretiosus', meaning 'valuable'

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Summary: precious in Brief

The term 'precious' [ˈpreʃəs] refers to something of great value that should not be wasted or treated carelessly. It can also describe something or someone that is very loved or cherished. Examples include 'The ring is made of precious metals and stones.' and 'Time with family is precious to me.' Phrases like 'precious little' and idioms like 'a precious gem' further emphasize the rarity and value of something.