ENGLISH
REFERENCE

priceless

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɹaɪsɫəs// UK //pɹˈaɪsləs// price·less Archaic Informal

adj. having a value that is too high to be measured in money. You use this to describe something so special or rare that you could never replace it.

adj. having a value beyond any calculable price; invaluable. Often describes unique historical artifacts, personal memories, or highly amusing situations.


SIMPLE

The museum houses several priceless paintings by famous artists.

CONTEXTUAL

The look of pure joy on her face when she saw the surprise was absolutely priceless.

COMPLEX

While the physical materials of the crown jewels are worth millions, their historical significance to the nation makes them truly priceless and irreplaceable.

Synonyms
Origin

From price + -less (“lacking, without”).

Usage

Typically used as a gradable adjective, often preceded by 'absolutely' or 'truly'.

Pitfall

The old car is priceless because it is broken.The old car is worthless because it is broken.Learners often confuse 'priceless' (extremely valuable) with 'worthless' (having no value) because of the '-less' suffix.

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