Cost
/kɒst/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe expense or price of something.
/kɒst/
The amount paid or required to be paid for something.
The cost of the trip was surprisingly low.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're buying a toy. The 'cost' is how much money you need to give the store to get it. It’s the same for anything - from a candy bar to a new car!
👶 For kids: The amount of money you have to pay to get something.
More Examples
We need to consider the cost of materials before starting the project.
What's the cost of a gallon of gas these days?
How It's Used
"The total cost of the project was higher than anticipated."
"The cost of living has increased significantly in recent years."
To be priced at a certain amount.
/kɒst/
To require the payment of (a specified sum) before it can be obtained or done.
The new car will cost a lot of money.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to buy a cool t-shirt. The shirt 'costs' $20, meaning you need to pay $20 to get it. It’s all about what you have to pay to own something!
👶 For kids: To need a certain amount of money to buy something.
More Examples
How much will it cost to repair the roof?
This book costs $10.
How It's Used
"The new software will cost a significant amount."
"Renovating the house will cost a fortune."
To involve the loss or sacrifice of something valuable.
/kɒst/
To cause (someone) to lose something valuable, such as a life, an opportunity, or a relationship.
The accident cost him his leg.
💡 Simply: Imagine playing a game and making a mistake. Your mistake might 'cost' you points or even the game itself. It means something bad happens because of an action.
👶 For kids: To make someone lose something important.
More Examples
Her dishonesty cost her her job.
Ignoring the warnings could cost us dearly.
How It's Used
"The war cost many lives."
"His arrogance cost him the friendship."
Idioms & expressions
at all costs
Regardless of the effort or sacrifice required.
"We must succeed at all costs."
cut costs
To reduce expenses.
"The company is trying to cut costs to improve its profits."
at the cost of
Something that is lost as a result of something else.
"The city was saved, but at the cost of many lives."
From Old French *coster* 'to come to an amount, be worth', from Latin *constare* 'to stand together, agree in price', from *con-* 'with' + *stare* 'to stand'.
The word 'cost' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to the price or value of something.
Memory tip
Think of the money it takes to acquire something.
Word Origin
"to stand together, agree in price"