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Meaning & use

precious gift

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌpreʃəs ˈɡɪft/
US/ˌpreʃəs ˈɡɪft/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    Something very valuable or important that someone receives or is given, often not a physical object.

    Grammar: Countable; you can say 'a precious gift' or 'precious gifts'.

    Patterns

    • a precious gift from someone
    • a precious gift to someone
    • the precious gift of something

    Her grandmother's advice was a precious gift that she carried through life.

    The charity sees education as a precious gift for children in poor areas.

    He gave his daughter a precious gift: the confidence to try new things.

  2. nouncountable

    A present that is expensive or highly valued, especially a physical object.

    Grammar: Countable; often used with 'a' or in the plural.

    Patterns

    • a precious gift for someone
    • receive a precious gift

    The ring was a precious gift from her great-aunt.

    He kept the precious gift in a locked box.

    They exchanged precious gifts at the family reunion.

Word forms

pluralprecious gifts

Common combinations

a precious gift from God
Many people see life as a precious gift from God.
the precious gift of life
The doctor spoke about the precious gift of life.
a precious gift to the world
Her music was a precious gift to the world.
truly a precious gift
Their friendship was truly a precious gift.

Synonyms and how they differ

treasure
Often used for a physical object or a person you value highly; it can sound warmer and more personal.
blessing
Focuses on something good that brings happiness, often seen as coming from God or luck.
prized possession
Used only for a physical object that someone owns and values greatly.

Word family

precious adjective
Valuable, important, or loved very much.
preciously adverb
In a way that shows something is very valuable or important.
gift noun
Something given willingly to someone without payment.

Commonly confused: precious gift or present?

precious gift vs present

'Present' usually means a physical object you give someone on a special occasion; 'precious gift' is often figurative and suggests deep value.

Practice

For many people, good health is a ______ gift.

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