costly 🔊
Meaning of costly
Involving great expense or sacrifice; high in cost or price.
Key Difference
While 'costly' refers to something that is expensive or requires significant sacrifice, it often implies that the expense may not always be monetary but could also involve time, effort, or other resources.
Example of costly
- The construction of the new airport proved to be a costly project for the government.
- Delaying the decision to fix the issue turned out to be a costly mistake for the company.
Synonyms
expensive 🔊
Meaning of expensive
Costing a lot of money; high-priced.
Key Difference
'Expensive' is more commonly used for monetary costs, whereas 'costly' can extend to non-monetary sacrifices.
Example of expensive
- The designer handbag was too expensive for her budget.
- Luxury cars are often expensive to maintain.
pricey 🔊
Meaning of pricey
Informal term for something that is expensive.
Key Difference
'Pricey' is a casual alternative to 'expensive,' while 'costly' carries a more formal or serious tone.
Example of pricey
- Eating at that restaurant is a bit pricey, but the food is worth it.
- The latest smartphone models are usually pricey upon release.
dear 🔊
Meaning of dear
High in price; costly (used more commonly in British English).
Key Difference
'Dear' is regionally preferred (UK), while 'costly' is universally understood.
Example of dear
- Petrol has become too dear these days.
- Fresh imported fruits are often dear in local markets.
exorbitant 🔊
Meaning of exorbitant
Unreasonably high in price; exceeding normal limits.
Key Difference
'Exorbitant' implies an extreme or unfair cost, while 'costly' is more neutral.
Example of exorbitant
- The hotel charged exorbitant rates during the festival season.
- The lawyer's fees were exorbitant for such a simple case.
lavish 🔊
Meaning of lavish
Spending or given in great amounts; extravagant.
Key Difference
'Lavish' focuses on abundance and luxury, while 'costly' emphasizes the burden of expense.
Example of lavish
- The wedding was a lavish affair with no expense spared.
- He threw a lavish party for his colleagues.
steep 🔊
Meaning of steep
Unusually high in price or demand.
Key Difference
'Steep' is often used for sudden or sharp increases, whereas 'costly' is broader.
Example of steep
- The tuition fees for private universities are quite steep.
- The steep price of organic produce discourages some buyers.
valuable 🔊
Meaning of valuable
Worth a great deal in terms of money or importance.
Key Difference
'Valuable' emphasizes worth, while 'costly' focuses on the burden of expense.
Example of valuable
- The antique vase was highly valuable due to its rarity.
- Time is the most valuable resource we have.
extravagant 🔊
Meaning of extravagant
Lacking restraint in spending; excessively elaborate.
Key Difference
'Extravagant' implies wastefulness, while 'costly' is neutral.
Example of extravagant
- His extravagant lifestyle eventually led to financial troubles.
- The CEO's extravagant office renovations raised eyebrows.
high-priced 🔊
Meaning of high-priced
Having a high monetary cost.
Key Difference
'High-priced' is straightforward, while 'costly' can imply consequences beyond money.
Example of high-priced
- High-priced real estate in the city is out of reach for most.
- The high-priced concert tickets sold out within minutes.
Conclusion
- Use 'costly' when referring to something that involves significant expense or sacrifice, whether monetary or otherwise.
- 'Expensive' is best for straightforward high monetary costs in everyday conversations.
- 'Pricey' works well in informal settings where a lighter tone is acceptable.
- 'Dear' is suitable in British English but may sound outdated elsewhere.
- 'Exorbitant' should be used when prices are unreasonably high or unfair.
- 'Lavish' fits when describing luxury or abundance rather than just cost.
- 'Steep' is ideal for sudden or sharp price increases.
- 'Valuable' emphasizes worth rather than just cost.
- 'Extravagant' implies unnecessary or excessive spending.
- 'High-priced' is a neutral term for items with a high monetary value.