26984 words

precious

8 definitions • 13 examples
1
of great value because of being rare, expensive, or important:

Examples:

a precious gift
a precious moment/memory
Clean water is a precious commodity in many parts of the world.
You're so precious to me.
2
behaving in a very formal and unnatural way by giving too much attention to details that are not important and trying too hard to be perfect:

Examples:

He's so precious about his work that he never gets anything done.
Don't you hate the precious way she speaks, pronouncing each single consonant so precisely.
3
used to express dislike and/or anger:

Examples:

You and your precious car - it's all you're interested in!
4
very:

Examples:

Lots of people will start, but precious few will finish.
Be careful - you'll be precious little help if you come back injured.
5
of very great value or worth:

Examples:

precious memories
Children are our most precious resource.
6
Precious metals are gold, silver, and platinum.
7
A precious stone is a jewel:

Examples:

Diamonds and rubies are precious stones.
8
very:

Examples:

He earns precious little money.

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