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Definition of preciously

preciously

/ˈprɛʃ.əs.li/
pre · cious · ly
Adjective:precious
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preciously Lexical Profile

preciously Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner indicating great value, care, or deep affection; as something cherished or highly prized.

Example

"She held the fragile heirloom preciously in her hands as she carried it across the room."

2

In an affectedly refined, overly fastidious, or self-consciously delicate manner.

Example

"The critic complained that the dialogue was written too preciously to sound like natural human speech."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

precheck
precinct
precious
preciously
preciousness
precipice
precipitate

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'precious'—which entered English via Old French from the Latin 'pretiosus' ('costly, of great value'), itself derived from 'pretium' ('price, worth')—combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preciously. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preciously
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