HOW TO PRONOUNCE
precious
/ˈpɹɛʃəs/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:03
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What does precious mean?
adjective
- Of high value or worth.
- Regarded with love or tenderness.
- Excessively complicated.
More meanings (9)
adjective
- (informal) Extremely protective or strict (about something).
- Thorough; utter.
- (derogatory) Treated with too much reverence.
- (derogatory, informal) Blasted; damned.
- (derogatory) Contrived to be cute or charming.
noun
- Someone (or something) who is loved; a darling.
adverb
- Very; an intensifier.
proper noun
- A surname transferred from the nickname, originating as a male or female nickname.
- A female given name from English.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/ˈpɹɛʃəs/
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
The show being over, the flutter in the air became quite a little storm, and the precious little bells went ringing downstairs.
In her attic Elnora lighted two candles, set them on her little table, stacked the books, and put away the precious clothes.
More book examples (3)
But as it was, they parted with looks on his side of grateful affection, and with some very precious sensations on hers.
It was easy to know them, fluttering about with extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious brood.
“He earns a hundred and thirty pounds. But they’re all alike. They’re large in promises, but it’s precious little fulfilment you get.”