precious
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,633 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 11,136 times across 155,370 chapters — 0.005% of every word in the library.
What it means
adjective
- characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for also: cherished, treasured, wanted a cherished friendchildren are precious
- of high worth or cost diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are precious stones
- held in great esteem for admirable qualities especially of an intrinsic nature also: valued a valued friendprecious memories
- obviously contrived to charm also: cute an insufferably precious performancea child with intolerably cute mannerisms
adverb
- extremely also: preciously there is precious little time left
precious in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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What right has he to be so precious unselfish at my expense?
The Hill: A Romance of Friendship · Horace Annesley Vachell · Chapter 1
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His sword and girdle were adorned with magnificent emeralds, and his bonnet glistened with precious stones.
Windsor Castle · William Harrison Ainsworth · Chapter 1
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Constant aid is given, apparitions descend from the skies, where angels are waiting, holding crowns of precious stones.
The Dream · Émile Zola · Chapter 1
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You stole my most precious jewel from me, and do you expect to live happily as the King’s son-in-law?
The Yellow Fairy Book: The Grateful Beasts · World Traditions (Celtic, Norse, Asian & Persian) · Chapter 1
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Either the precious cargo must be brought safely into port or the derelict must be sunk and the fairway cleared.
Pearl of Pearl Island · John Oxenham · Chapter 1