adjective / noun
precious
PRESH-uhs/ˈpreʃəs/
Highly valued or cherished.
She holds a precious family portrait close to her chest.
Etymology
Built on “value” or “price,” precious describes something costly or deeply valued, including someone beloved. The word also developed the less flattering sense “over-refined” or “fastidious.”
In context
… we will protect the precious life that has come to us …
More examples
- Gold and silver are precious metals.
- Our time together is precious to me.
- Come sit beside me, precious.
Forms
precious · more precious · most precious · preciouses
preciousness noun — The quality of being valued or cherished.