English Reference
noun · verb

price

n. · v.
US /ˈpɹaɪs/ UK /pɹˈaɪs/ price UK spelling prices

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.the amount of money you must pay to buy something.

    n.the amount of money expected, required, or given in payment for something.

    Simple

    The price of petrol has gone up again this month.

    In context

    The consumer price index rose sharply, reflecting the increased cost of imported goods and energy supplies.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the unpleasant thing you must suffer to get what you want.

    n.the unpleasant consequences of an action or a particular way of life.

    Simple

    Stress is often the price of a high-paying job.

    In context

    The environmental degradation of the river was a heavy price to pay for the rapid industrialisation of the valley.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    v.to decide how much something should cost.

    v.to fix or determine the price of something for sale.

    Simple

    The shopkeeper priced the handmade rugs at two hundred dollars each.

    In context

    The marketing department struggled to price the new software competitively while still covering the significant research and development costs.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    v.to find out how much something costs in different places.

    v.to compare the prices of goods or services, often to find the best value.

    Simple

    We spent the afternoon pricing new cars at several different dealerships.

    In context

    Before committing to the renovation, they spent weeks pricing materials at various wholesale suppliers to ensure the project stayed within budget.

    compareshop around
Don't confuse

price vs cost — Price is the amount a seller asks for; cost is the total amount spent to produce or obtain something.

Usage price tag · prices rose · price rise

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated