Costly - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

'Costly' simply means something has a high price or expense. It can refer to both material goods and abstract concepts like time or effort. Unlike 'expensive,' 'costly' sometimes implies a negative connotation, suggesting that the price is perhaps too high or that the item has undesirable consequences. Think of a 'costly mistake' which can have serious repercussions. It emphasizes the sacrifice required to obtain something.

Etymology

The word 'costly' comes directly from 'cost,' which originates from the Latin 'constare,' meaning 'to stand firm, stand together, be consistent, cost.' The '-ly' suffix indicates an adjective form. 'Cost' itself is related to the idea of something being fixed or established in price.

Related Words

Examples

  • "The war proved to be very costly in terms of lives and resources."
  • "That dress is beautiful, but it's too costly for my budget."
  • "A single mistake can be very costly in a high-stakes situation."
  • "Maintaining a luxury car can be costly."

Anecdote / Story

Remember that time your friend bought the limited-edition gaming console, only for a new version to come out a month later? That was a 'costly' decision! Similarly, in 'Squid Game,' the price of failure was extremely costly. Think about the risks characters take in shows like 'Euphoria,' where their choices often have costly consequences.

Encouragement

Always consider the full 'cost' of your decisions! Weigh the potential benefits against the risks and consequences. Smart choices lead to long-term success. 🤔

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