highly precious

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly precious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is of very great value, either financial, emotional, or spiritual. For example, you could say that a person's memories are "highly precious" to them.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

These experiments were carried out in the opto-electrical apparatus supplemented with a system of highly precious spectral filters.

Electrochimica Acta

At stake is eastern Congo's mineral wealth — copper, gold, diamonds, uranium, potential oil, and coltan, short for columbite-tantalite, described in "The Mission Song" as "a highly precious metal once found exclusively in the Eastern Congo".

The New Yorker

into one single decorative form and results in highly precious painting and decoration [1].

Heritage Science

The goal of these repair processes in the bone is to rapidly restore homeostasis and have the highly precious HSCs return to a protected dormant state.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Diamonds have long been viewed as a highly valued precious stone.

Johns Hopkins University

Sleep is a beautiful, precious and highly treasured part of my life including power naps!

Huffington Post

Wiring for appliances and electronics requires a lot of copper and silver; therefore, if demand is higher for these goods, then the demand for highly conductive precious metals increases.

Forbes

It is a dense, malleable, ductile, highly unreactive, precious, gray-white transition metal.

Wikipedia

For those wondering why "gold" was chosen so prominently for a Las Vegas team, both in the name and in the color scheme, here is the explanation from the team's release: "Nevada is the largest producer of gold in the United States, it is a highly-valued precious metal and is a color seen in the Las Vegas terrain". That, at least, seems to make sense.

The Washington Post

Considering the technological importance of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the cost constraints of highly catalytically active precious metals, recent research efforts have been focused on designing and synthesizing earth abundant non-precious metal catalysts for this reaction.

Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry

MOOCs are separate from that highly desirable and precious residential degree.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly precious", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for its great value, whether it's monetary, sentimental, or functional. For example, "highly precious metals" or "highly precious memories".

Common error

Avoid using "highly precious" in overly casual conversations; simpler terms like "valuable" or "cherished" are often more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "This advice is highly precious", consider "This advice is really helpful".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly precious" functions as a compound adjective used to describe a noun. It intensifies the inherent value or importance associated with the noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a valid and commonly used phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

42%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly precious" is a valid and commonly used phrase that functions as a compound adjective to emphasize the great value of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While it appears in various contexts, it is most frequently found in scientific, news and media, and academic sources, lending itself to a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the item's great worth, and consider whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate for informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely valuable

Replaces "precious" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the worth of something.

incredibly cherished

Focuses on the emotional value, suggesting something is deeply loved and protected.

utterly priceless

Highlights the irreplaceable nature of something, its value beyond monetary terms.

deeply esteemed

Indicates a high level of respect and admiration, shifting the focus from intrinsic value to perceived worth.

exceedingly treasured

Emphasizes the act of holding something dear, suggesting careful preservation.

highly prized

Similar to "highly valued", but with a nuance of competition or seeking after the item.

exceptionally meaningful

Focuses on the significance and impact of something, rather than its material value.

intensely regarded

Emphasizes the level of attention and consideration given to something due to its value.

very significant

Highlights the importance of something without necessarily implying emotional attachment.

greatly appreciated

Focuses on thankfulness and recognition of value, often in a personal context.

FAQs

How can I use "highly precious" in a sentence?

You can use "highly precious" to describe something of great value, such as "These family heirlooms are "highly precious" to her" or "The information they provided was "highly precious" for our research".

What are some alternatives to "highly precious"?

Some alternatives to "highly precious" include "extremely valuable", "utterly priceless", or "incredibly cherished", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "highly precious" a formal expression?

Yes, "highly precious" tends to be more formal than simply "precious". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing or conversation when choosing between the two.

Is there a difference between "highly valued" and "highly precious"?

"Highly valued" emphasizes the perceived worth or importance of something, while "highly precious" suggests a more intrinsic, often sentimental, value. For instance, a "highly valued" employee contributes significantly to a company, while a "highly precious" memory brings great emotional comfort.