precious

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pre·cious / ˈpreshəs/ • adj. 1. (of an object, substance, or resource) of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly: precious works of art my time is precious. ∎  greatly loved or treasured by someone: look after my daughter—she's very precious to me. ∎  inf. used to express the speaker's contempt for someone or something greatly valued by another person: you and your precious schedule—you've got to lighten up! ∎  inf. used for emphasis, often in an ironic context: a precious lot you know about dogs!2. derog. affectedly concerned with elegant or refined behavior, language, or manners: his exaggerated, precious manner.• n. used as a term of address to a beloved person: don't be frightened, my precious.PHRASES: precious little/few extremely little or few (used for emphasis): police still know precious little about the dead man you will find precious few atheists on operating tables.DERIVATIVES: pre·cious·ly adv.pre·cious·ness n.