precious

[PRESH-əs]

adjective

precioso

1. of great value; not easily obtained or replaced

This is a precious diamond.

Este é um diamante precioso.

2. highly esteemed or cherished

Time with family is precious.

O tempo com a família é precioso.

3. affectedly refined or delicate; pretentious

Her precious manner annoyed everyone.

Seu modo preciosista irritou todos.

4. used as an intensifier or term of endearment

What a precious little child!

Que criança preciosa!

NYC Slang

bougie (when referring to pretentious or refined manner)

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

precioso

Most common usage across Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

precioso

Standard usage; may be shortened to 'cioso' in colloquial speech

São Paulo

precioso

Standard usage; professional context preferred

Portugal

precioso

Standard usage; alternative 'valioso' also common for 'valuable'

precious metals (metais preciosos)

precious few (muito poucos)

precious cargo (carga preciosa/algo valioso)

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