[ˈprɛʃəs], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly
(e.g: precious works of art)

- affectedly concerned with elegant or refined behaviour, language, or manners
(e.g: his exaggerated, precious manner)


Phrases:
- precious few
- precious little

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French precios, from Latin pretiosus ‘of great value’, from pretium ‘price’

[ˈprɛʃəs], (Noun)

Definitions:
- used as a term of address for a beloved person
(e.g: don't be frightened, my precious)


Phrases:
- precious few
- precious little

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French precios, from Latin pretiosus ‘of great value’, from pretium ‘price’