Word
pricey
US/ˈpɹaɪsi/
UK/pɹˈaɪsi/
Definition
adj. expensive or costing a lot of money. You use this word when you think the price of something is a bit high.
adj. costing a high price; expensive. Often used to express a mild negative judgment about the cost of consumer goods or services.
Examples
“The hotel was a bit pricey, but the view was amazing.”
“Eating out in the city center can get pricey if you don't check the menu prices beforehand.”
“While the initial investment in high-quality solar panels may seem pricey, the long-term savings on utility bills usually justify the upfront expenditure.”
Examples
simple
“The hotel was a bit pricey, but the view was amazing.”
contextual
“Eating out in the city center can get pricey if you don't check the menu prices beforehand.”
complex
“While the initial investment in high-quality solar panels may seem pricey, the long-term savings on utility bills usually justify the upfront expenditure.”
Usage
Often modified by degree adverbs like 'a bit', 'rather', or 'quite'.
Real-World Examples
“It is pricey but quite effective in terms of results.” Etymology
From price + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/pricey