Costliest: meaning, definitions and examples

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costliest

 

[ˈkɔːstlɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

financial context

The term 'costliest' describes something that is the most expensive in terms of monetary value. It indicates that among various options or items, this one requires the highest expenditure.

Synonyms

dearest, highest-priced, most expensive, priciest.

Examples of usage

  • The costliest item on the menu was the lobster.
  • Owning a luxury car can be the costliest decision for some.
  • This is the costliest vacation I have ever taken.
  • Investing in real estate can sometimes lead to the costliest mistakes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from 'cost', which comes from the Latin 'costa', meaning 'to pay or spend'.
  • Adding the suffix '-liest' indicates the superlative form, meaning it’s used to express the highest degree of something.
  • Superlatives like 'costliest' are commonly used to compare multiple items, helping to clarify which has the highest cost.

Economics

  • Luxury items, such as rare diamonds or high-end cars, are often considered 'costliest' and highlight the value placed on exclusivity.
  • Inflation affects what is deemed costliest; as inflation rises, everyday items may become more expensive, altering perceptions.
  • The concept of 'costliest' is important in economics, impacting consumer behavior and market demand.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows frequently showcase the costliest aspects of life, portraying characters striving for wealth or luxury.
  • The term can be found in various media, such as 'The Costliest Mistake' featuring high-stakes gambling or investments.
  • Fashion events display costliest garments designed by top designers, emphasizing exclusivity and status.

Science

  • In environmental science, the costliest choices often involve energy consumption; renewable sources are cheaper long-term compared to fossil fuels.
  • Medical procedures can be considered costliest, showcasing the relationship between healthcare access and financial burden.
  • Research and development for technology can become costliest due to the resources needed for innovation.

History

  • Throughout history, wars have often been fought over costliest resources, affecting economies and societies dramatically.
  • The Silk Road was known for trading valuable items; some of the costliest goods traded included silk and spices, shaping global commerce.
  • The construction of ancient wonders, like the Great Pyramid of Giza, is often regarded as one of the costliest undertakings of their time.

Translations

Translations of the word "costliest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais caro

🇮🇳 सबसे महंगा

🇩🇪 teuerste

🇮🇩 termahal

🇺🇦 найдорожчий

🇵🇱 najdroższy

🇯🇵 最も高価な

🇫🇷 le plus cher

🇪🇸 el más caro

🇹🇷 en pahalı

🇰🇷 가장 비싼

🇸🇦 الأكثر تكلفة

🇨🇿 nejdražší

🇸🇰 najdrahší

🇨🇳 最昂贵的

🇸🇮 najdražji

🇮🇸 dýrustu

🇰🇿 ең қымбат

🇬🇪 ყველაზე ძვირი

🇦🇿 ən bahalı

🇲🇽 el más caro

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,497 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.