Costly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Costly means something that requires a lot of money, effort, or resources. It describes items, actions, or decisions that are expensive or come with a high price, whether financially or otherwise.
Definition:
Expensive or requiring a lot of money, effort, or time.
Synonyms:
Expensive, pricey, dear, high-priced
Part of Speech:
Adjective
Antonyms:
Cheap, inexpensive
Common Collocations:
Costly mistake, costly project, costly investment, costly decision
Derivatives:
Costliness, costlier
Usage Tips:
Use "costly" to emphasize high expense or serious consequences, often beyond just financial cost.
Common Phrases:
Pay a costly price, costly error in judgment, come at a costly expense
Etymology:
Derived from Middle English "cost," from Old French "coût," ultimately from Latin "constare" (to stand firm).
Examples:
- 1. The repairs were too costly for our budget.
- 2. Her mistake proved costly for the entire team.
- 3. Buying organic food can be quite costly these days.
- 4. The war was a costly endeavor for both nations.