Preciousness in a Sentence: Meaning and Examples

Preciousness in a sentence can mean the great personal value of something, as in “She understood the preciousness of their friendship.” In British English it can also criticize behavior or style that feels overly formal and unnatural. The surrounding words and tone tell readers whether the meaning is affectionate or disapproving.

Key facts at a glance

• Preciousness is an uncountable noun in common dictionary entries.
• It can describe personal value, importance, rarity, or a quality someone wants to protect.
• Cambridge also records a mainly British, disapproving sense: unnatural formality or excessive attention to minor details.
• The phrase “the preciousness of” commonly introduces what is valued.
• A modifier such as “sentimental” or “stylistic” can make the intended sense clear.

What does preciousness mean?

Preciousness is an uncountable noun for the quality of being valuable, important, rare, or deeply cherished. Cambridge Dictionary includes both material value and importance, while Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries also describes the personal value of something. In a sentence, the noun usually names what makes a person, moment, object, or relationship worth protecting.

Common patterns include the preciousness of life, a sense of preciousness, and the preciousness of an old friendship. The noun can point to emotional meaning rather than a high price: “The letter’s preciousness came from the handwriting, not the paper.”

Can preciousness have a negative meaning?

Yes. Cambridge marks a second, mainly British and disapproving sense: behavior or style that feels too formal, unnatural, or overly concerned with unimportant details. In “the poem’s preciousness weakened its direct emotion,” the noun criticizes an affected style, not the poem’s monetary worth.

Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries similarly labels preciousness of style unattractive when it sounds unnatural. This meaning is evaluative, so make it clear through context. A phrase such as stylistic preciousness signals criticism; the preciousness of a memory signals value and affection.

How do you use preciousness naturally?

Because preciousness is generally uncountable, writers most often use it without a: “They recognized the preciousness of time.” Use a sense of preciousness when naming a particular feeling, or add a modifier when the meaning could be unclear.

Do not use preciousness as a generic replacement for precious. “The ring is precious” describes the ring; “the ring’s preciousness” names its quality of being valued. A concrete subject also makes the abstract noun easier to understand.

Frequently asked questions about preciousness

What does preciousness mean in a sentence?

Preciousness usually means the quality of being valuable, important, rare, or deeply cherished. For example, “The preciousness of their friendship became clear during the difficult year” uses the word for emotional importance, not money. In some contexts it can instead describe an overly formal style.

Can preciousness be used negatively?

Yes. In a mainly British, disapproving sense, preciousness describes behavior or writing that seems unnaturally formal or too carefully refined. “The speech’s preciousness distracted from its point” is critical. Add context such as stylistic when readers might otherwise assume the positive meaning of value.

Is preciousness countable or uncountable?

Dictionaries commonly label preciousness as an uncountable noun, so write “the preciousness of the moment” or “a sense of preciousness.” Avoid “a preciousness” unless a special literary context makes that unusual phrasing deliberate and clear. In ordinary prose, these established patterns sound more natural.

What words are similar to preciousness?

For the positive sense, value, importance, sentimental worth, and cherished quality may fit, depending on the sentence. For the disapproving style sense, affectedness or over-refinement may be closer. Choose a substitute only after deciding which meaning is intended for your reader.

Conclusion

Preciousness in a sentence can express deep personal value or criticize an overly affected style. Use the phrase around a concrete subject, and add a cue such as sentimental or stylistic when the tone could be read in either way.

Have you ever heard of the term “preciousness” before? Preciousness refers to the quality of being valuable, cherished, or highly prized. It can apply to both tangible items, such as jewelry or heirlooms, as well as intangible qualities like memories or moments.

Recognizing the preciousness in our lives can bring a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the things that truly matter. This concept encourages us to savor and protect those valuable aspects of our existence, reminding us to take care of what is dear to us.

7 Examples Of Preciousness Used In a Sentence For Kids

1. Preciousness is like a treasure in our hearts.
2. We should always appreciate the preciousness of our friends and family.
3. Kind words can show someone their preciousness.
4. The love we have for each other is full of preciousness.
5. Each of us has our own unique preciousness to share with the world.
6. Remember to treat everyone with kindness and respect their preciousness.
7. Our smiles can brighten someone’s day and remind them of their own preciousness.

14 Sentences with Preciousness Examples

• College students often struggle to balance their social life with the preciousness of time for studying.
• It’s important for college students to recognize the preciousness of their education and make the most of it.
• As college students, we should appreciate the preciousness of having access to resources like libraries and online databases.
• The preciousness of good health is often overlooked by college students amidst their busy schedules.
• College students should cherish the preciousness of friendships that are built during their academic years.
• Balancing work and studies can help college students understand the preciousness of time management.
• The preciousness of a good mentor in college can greatly impact a student’s success and growth.
• Recognizing the preciousness of mental well-being is crucial for college students facing academic pressure.
• The preciousness of family support can be a great source of strength for college students dealing with stress.
• College students should remember the preciousness of their goals and ambitions when facing challenges.
• The preciousness of self-care should not be underestimated by college students juggling multiple responsibilities.
• College life can bring about new perspectives and insights that highlight the preciousness of personal growth.
• It’s important for college students to appreciate the preciousness of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
• The preciousness of a supportive community in college can make a significant impact on a student’s overall experience.

How To Use Preciousness in Sentences?

To use the word Preciousness in a sentence, first, you need to understand its meaning. Preciousness refers to the quality of being valuable, cherished, or highly prized.

Here is an example of how to use Preciousness in a sentence:

• “She treasured the antique necklace not only for its monetary value but also for its sentimental preciousness as it had been passed down through generations.”

When incorporating Preciousness in a sentence, consider using it to describe something that holds great value or importance to someone. This could be something physical, like a piece of jewelry, or something intangible, like a memory or moment.

Remember to use Preciousness appropriately in the context of your sentence to convey the significance or value of the subject being described. Additionally, you can enhance your sentence by providing details or explanations that emphasize the importance of the Preciousness being referenced.

Practice incorporating Preciousness in various sentences to become more comfortable using the word in different contexts. As you become more familiar with its usage, you will be able to effectively communicate the idea of value, importance, and cherishedness in your writing.

Conclusion

In our daily lives, we often encounter moments that hold sentimental value and importance, embodying the preciousness of relationships, memories, and experiences. Whether it’s a simple gesture of kindness or a cherished memento passed down through generations, these instances remind us of the intrinsic value of love, connection, and gratitude. Each of these sentences with preciousness captures a snapshot of emotion and significance, underscoring the beauty and worth found in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.

Through these examples, we see how the concept of preciousness transcends material possessions, shining a light on the intangible treasures that enrich our lives. It serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the people and moments that bring meaning and joy, making every experience a precious gift to be cherished and celebrated.