Meaning & use
semi-precious
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivebefore a noun
Describing gemstones that are less rare and valuable than precious stones like diamonds and rubies.
Grammar: Usually comes before a noun: semi-precious stones, semi-precious gems.
Patterns
- semi-precious stones
- semi-precious gems
- made of semi-precious stones
The necklace is decorated with semi-precious stones such as amethyst and turquoise.
She collects semi-precious gems from markets around the world.
Semi-precious stones are often more affordable than diamonds.
Common combinations
- semi-precious stones
- The bracelet is set with semi-precious stones.
- semi-precious gems
- Amber and jade are often classed as semi-precious gems.
- made of semi-precious stones
- The earrings are made of silver and semi-precious stones.
- a semi-precious stone
- Turquoise is a popular semi-precious stone.
Synonyms and how they differ
- precious
- Use 'precious' for the rarest and most valuable stones like diamonds; 'semi-precious' covers the rest.
Opposites
Word family
- precious adjective
- rare and valuable
- semi-preciousness noun
- the quality of being a semi-precious stone (rare)
Commonly confused: semi-precious or precious?
semi-precious vs precious
Precious stones such as diamonds are the most valuable; semi-precious stones are less rare and usually cheaper.
Practice
Which of these is most likely to be called a semi-precious stone?
Choose one answer.
Amethyst is commonly classed as semi-precious, while diamond, ruby, and emerald are precious stones.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “semi-precious”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.