Costly

Definition

Costly refers to something that requires a high expenditure of money, resources, or effort. It can also describe actions or mistakes that result in significant loss or sacrifice.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɔːstli/
• Respelling: KAWST-lee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɒstli/
• Respelling: KOST-lee

The pronunciation of "costly" differs slightly in the vowel sound of the first syllable between American and British English.

Etymology

The word "costly" originates from the Old English word "cost," meaning "expense" or "price," which is derived from the Latin word "constare," meaning "to stand firm" or "to be fixed." The term evolved in the 14th century to describe something requiring a significant amount of money or resources.

Derivatives

• Costliness (noun)
• Cost (noun/verb)
• Cost-effective (adjective)
• Costing (noun/verb)
• Cost-free (adjective)

Synonyms

• Expensive
• Pricey
• High-priced

Antonyms

• Cheap
• Affordable
• Inexpensive

Usage

The term "costly" is used in various contexts to describe anything that incurs a significant expense, whether in terms of money, resources, or effort. For example, a "costly mistake" could refer to an error that results in substantial loss, while "costly jewelry" refers to items that are expensive or luxurious. It is frequently used to emphasize the high value or consequence of something.

Related Terms

• Expenditure: The act of spending money or resources.
• Investment: The action or process of spending money with the expectation of gaining a profit or benefit.
• Expense: The cost required for something; an amount of money spent.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Requiring a large amount of money or resources: Describes something that is expensive or requires a significant financial commitment.
  • Example: "The repairs to the house were costly and took several months."
• Resulting in significant loss or sacrifice: Refers to an action, decision, or mistake that leads to great personal or financial loss.
  • Example: "The team made a costly error in the final moments of the game."