Definition of Precious

1. Adverb. Extremely. "There is precious little time left"

Exact synonyms: Preciously
Language type: Intensifier, Intensive

2. Adjective. Characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for. "So good to feel wanted"
Exact synonyms: Cherished, Treasured, Wanted
Similar to: Loved
Derivative terms: Preciousness

3. Adjective. Of high worth or cost. "Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are precious stones"
Similar to: Valuable
Derivative terms: Preciousness

4. Adjective. Held in great esteem for admirable qualities especially of an intrinsic nature. "Precious memories"
Exact synonyms: Valued
Similar to: Worthy

5. Adjective. Obviously contrived to charm. "A child with intolerably cute mannerisms"
Exact synonyms: Cute
Similar to: Artful
Derivative terms: Preciosity, Preciousness

Definition of Precious

1. a. Of great price; costly; as, a precious stone.

2. a. Particular; fastidious; overnice; overrefined. Cf. Précieuse, Preciosity.

Definition of Precious

1. Adjective. of high value or worth, or seemingly regarded as such ¹

2. Adjective. regarded with love or tenderness. ¹

3. Adjective. (pejorative) treated with too much reverence. ¹

4. Adjective. (pejorative) contrived to be cute or charming ¹

5. Noun. someone (or something) who is loved; a darling ¹

6. Adverb. used as an intensifier ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Precious

1. a darling [n -ES] - See also: darling

Lexicographical Neighbors of Precious

prechoose
prechooses
prechoosing
prechordal
prechose
prechosen
precieuse
precieux
precinct
precinct committeeman
precinct committeemen
precincts
precinema
preciosities
preciosity
precious (current term)
precious coral
precious metal
precious metals
precious stone
precious stones
preciouses
preciously
preciousness
preciousnesses
precip
precipe
precipes
precipice
precipices

Literary usage of Precious

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Work of Reference on the by Charles George Herbermann, Edward Aloysius Pace, Condé Bénoist Pallen, Thomas Joseph Shahan, John Joseph Wynne (1913)
"Several places like Saintes, Bruges, Mantua etc. claim, on the strength of ancient traditions, to possess relics of the precious Blood, but it is often ..."

2. Publications by Folklore Society (Great Britain) (1908)
"WE have in this book a considerable collection of material relating to the virtues of precious and semi-precious stones and of certain of the commoner ..."

3. Principles of Economics by Frank William Taussig (1915)
"On grounds of general reasoning, we are then led to expect that the value of the precious metals will conform in the long run to their cost ..."

4. The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge (1919)
"precious METALS. Gold and silver are commonly included under this term, though platinum and quicksilver have sometimes been added. ..."

5. Annual Report by Geological Survey of Canada (1906)
"Following the custom of past years, the precious metals, gold and silver, arc considered together. GOLD. Gold production in Canada, which reached a maximum ..."

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