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Added 9 October 2026

precious

/ˈpɹɛʃ.əs/ adjective

In Latin: pretiōsus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about precious at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for.
a cherished friend
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.
a valued friend

adverb

Extremely.
there is precious little time left

Origin

Inherited from Middle English precious, borrowed from Old French precios (“valuable, costly, precious, beloved, also affected, finical”), from Latin pretiōsus (“of great value, costly, dear, precious”), from pretium (“value, price”); see price.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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