Search Result for "precious": 
Wordnet 3.0

ADJECTIVE (4)

1. characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for;
- Example: "a cherished friend"
- Example: "children are precious"
- Example: "a treasured heirloom"
- Example: "so good to feel wanted"
[syn: cherished, precious, treasured, wanted]

2. of high worth or cost;
- Example: "diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are precious stones"

3. held in great esteem for admirable qualities especially of an intrinsic nature;
- Example: "a valued friend"
- Example: "precious memories"
[syn: valued, precious]

4. obviously contrived to charm;
- Example: "an insufferably precious performance"
- Example: "a child with intolerably cute mannerisms"
[syn: cute, precious]


ADVERB (1)

1. extremely;
- Example: "there is precious little time left"
[syn: precious, preciously]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Precious \Pre"cious\, a. [OF. precious, precius, precios, F.
   pr['e]cieux, L. pretiosus, fr. pretium price, worth, value.
   See Price.]
   1. Of great price; costly; as, a precious stone. "The
      precious bane." --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Of great value or worth; very valuable; highly esteemed;
      dear; beloved; as, precious recollections.
      [1913 Webster]

            She is more precious than rules.      --Prov. iii.
                                                  15.
      [1913 Webster]

            Many things which are most precious are neglected
            only because the value of them lieth hid. --Hooker.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: Also used ironically; as, a precious rascal.
         [1913 Webster]

   3. Particular; fastidious; overnice; overrefined. Cf.
      Pr['e]cieuse, Preciosity.
      [1913 Webster]

            Lest that precious folk be with me wroth. --Chaucer.
      [1913 Webster]

            Elaborate embroidery of precious language.
                                                  --Saintsbury.
      [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

   Precious metals, the uncommon and highly valuable metals,
      esp. gold and silver.

   Precious stones, gems; jewels.
      [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

precious
    adv 1: extremely; "there is precious little time left" [syn:
           precious, preciously]
    adj 1: characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for;
           "a cherished friend"; "children are precious"; "a
           treasured heirloom"; "so good to feel wanted" [syn:
           cherished, precious, treasured, wanted]
    2: of high worth or cost; "diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and
       emeralds are precious stones"
    3: held in great esteem for admirable qualities especially of an
       intrinsic nature; "a valued friend"; "precious memories"
       [syn: valued, precious]
    4: obviously contrived to charm; "an insufferably precious
       performance"; "a child with intolerably cute mannerisms"
       [syn: cute, precious]