Valuable

/ˈvæl.ju.ə.bəl/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Having a high worth or importance; of great use or service.

/ˈvæl.ju.ə.bəl/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

Having great worth or importance.

Gold is a valuable metal.

💡 Simply: Imagine you find a treasure chest! The things inside are valuable because they are worth a lot of money or are very important.

👶 For kids: Something that is valuable is worth a lot of money or is very important.

More Examples

2

The experience provided valuable insights.

3

She made a valuable contribution to the team.

4

These historical documents are valuable for research.

How It's Used

Business

"The company's intellectual property is a valuable asset."

General

"A valuable lesson was learned from the experience."

2

Something (typically an item or possession) that is considered valuable.

/ˈvæl.ju.ə.bəl/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A valuable thing; an item that is worth a lot.

She packed her valuables in a secure bag.

💡 Simply: These are items that are really important to keep safe because they cost a lot or mean a lot to you.

👶 For kids: A valuable is something special that is worth a lot of money or is super important.

More Examples

2

The museum displayed several valuable artifacts.

3

Please keep your valuables with you at all times.

4

He lost all his valuables in the fire.

How It's Used

Home Security

"The homeowner secured their valuables in a safe."

Travel

"Keep your valuables close when traveling."

Tip:Think about the things you would protect or insure. These are your valuables.

From Middle English 'valuable', from Old French 'valuable', from Latin 'valere' (to be worth).

Historically, 'valuable' has always been used to denote worth or high regard, but has evolved to cover more abstract concepts beyond material wealth.

Memory tip

Think of the things you 'value' most in life – they are probably valuable!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to be worth"

valuable assetvaluable experiencevaluable informationvaluable insightsvaluable possessionsvaluable advicevaluable opportunity

Common misspellings

valublevaluableevalubale

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written