most precious

USAGE SUMMARY

'most precious' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is highly valued or cherished. Example: Her love for him was her most precious possession.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our most precious Deanne.

The New York Times

Agudelo is that most precious of commodities.

The New York Times

Human capital is a most precious commodity.

The New York Times

He considered Bohemia his most precious possession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My dearest, most precious sweetheart.

The New York Times

"This is our most precious".

The Guardian - Travel

It's one of my most precious possessions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Time is the most precious thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most precious grandmother and great grandmother.

The New York Times

It's the most precious book I have.

The Guardian - Books

It's still my most precious possession.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most precious" to describe items, memories, or relationships that hold significant emotional or personal value. Remember that this term often conveys a sense of deep affection or importance.

Common error

Avoid using "most precious" in highly formal or business settings where a more neutral term like "highly valued" or "essential" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most precious" primarily functions as a superlative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the highest degree of value, importance, or affection. Ludwig provides examples where it describes possessions, relationships, and even abstract concepts like time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most precious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to denote something of exceptional value, either emotionally or practically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, although overuse in highly formal or business settings should be avoided. The phrase is most common in news and media sources, and encyclopedias. Alternatives like “dearest” or “most cherished” can provide similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Use “most precious” to emphasize the deep significance of items, relationships, or concepts you wish to highlight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dearest

Slightly more intimate and personal, implying deep affection.

most beloved

Emphasizes affection and love to a greater degree.

most cherished

Highlights the act of valuing and protecting something.

most treasured

Similar to 'most cherished' but suggests keeping something safe.

highly valued

Focuses on the worth or importance of something.

extremely valuable

Highlights monetary or practical worth.

priceless

Indicates something is so valuable it cannot be quantified.

irreplaceable

Stresses the uniqueness and inability to be substituted.

greatest treasure

Implies something of immense value, often personal or sentimental.

finest possession

Highlights the quality and ownership of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "most precious" to describe something highly valued or cherished. For example, "Her love was her "most precious" possession" or "Time is our "most precious" resource".

What phrases can I use instead of "most precious"?

Alternatives include "dearest", "most beloved", or "most cherished", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "most precious" too sentimental for professional writing?

In some professional contexts, "most precious" may sound too sentimental. Consider alternatives like "highly valued" or "extremely important" for a more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "most precious" and "priceless"?

"Most precious" implies deep personal or emotional value, while "priceless" suggests something is so valuable that its worth cannot be measured. Something "most precious" might not be financially valuable but holds immense sentimental significance.