Synonyms
Examples of precious in a Sentence
Simon Winchester, The Man Who Loved China, 2008
Of course, the war pronounces on us all. Some precious glee we seek is absent, the season less substantial, less likeable.
—Richard Ford, Wall Street Journal, 14-15 June 2008
The world is, as usual, a frightening place to enter for all save the precious few impaired by inherited security.
—David Mamet, True and False, 1997
… and, though to him those precious moments at the end of each day had symbolized the realization of his every hope, to her they had meant not a goddamn thing.
—Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997
diamonds and other precious stones
We can save precious time by taking this shortcut.
They were able to be together for only a few precious hours.
the family's most precious moments
Adverb
She had precious little to say.
There are precious few hours of sunlight left.
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Donie O'Sullivan, CNN, 23 Sep. 2023
Between April and June of 2022, the couple cashed out at least part of their precious metal holdings, forms show, selling between $200,000 and $400,000 worth of gold bars, while keeping at least $250,000 worth.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2023
While the evening felt everlasting, our precious time in the museum started to fade as the delicious dessert course was served.
—Ian Malone, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2023
Despite what we’re taught, real fulfillment really comes only from making a life that is meaningful: from building precious relationships and forming connections, pursuing passions, discovering your purpose, building a sense of self and living with compassion—both for yourself and others.
—Alex Light, Glamour, 21 Sep. 2023
The families who have contributed to this booklet have shared the most precious of memories, thoughts, and feelings.
—Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023
But a generation of makers are now reimagining the craft, challenging conventions of scale and value by experimenting with everything from whole rocks to precious gems.
—Zoey Poll, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2023
Rising energy prices is stoking fears of the Fed rates remaining higher for longer and weighing on the precious metal, ANZ analysts say in a research note.
—WSJ, 20 Sep. 2023
Some of the precious stones found here include garnet, jasper, quartz, amethyst and agate, as well as diamonds in three colors: yellow, brown and white.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'precious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Adjective and Adverb
Middle English, from Anglo-French precios, from Latin pretiosus, from pretium price — more at price entry 1
Adjective
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adverb
1595, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing precious
Dictionary Entries Near precious
Cite this Entry
“Precious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precious. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
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Kids Definition
precious
adjectiveAdjective
Middle English precious "of great value," from early French precios (same meaning), from Latin pretiosus (same meaning), from pretium "price, money" — related to price
More from Merriam-Webster on precious
Nglish: Translation of precious for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of precious for Arabic Speakers
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