Costly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💸

Add to dictionary

costly

[ˈkɒstli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

expensive

Having a high price or cost; requiring a large amount of money to buy or maintain.

Synonyms

cost-prohibitive, expensive, high-priced, pricey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
costly	Use when referring to something that requires a large amount of money, especially in relation to its value or affordability. The repairs were costly, but necessary. His gambling habit turned out to be very costly.
expensive	General term for something requiring a lot of money, suitable for both formal and informal settings. She bought an expensive dress for the wedding. They live in an expensive area of the city.
pricey	Best used in informal contexts to describe items that feel too expensive relative to their perceived value. That new smartphone is pretty pricey. I think this restaurant is a bit too pricey for a casual dinner.
high-priced	Use when highlighting that something has a high selling price, often used in commercial or retail contexts. The store specializes in high-priced electronic gadgets. They opted for high-priced wine at the restaurant.
cost-prohibitive	Best applied when something is so expensive that it is unaffordable or prevents action. The proposal was abandoned because the necessary equipment was cost-prohibitive. Purchasing a house in this neighborhood is cost-prohibitive for most people.

Examples of usage

The designer handbag was too costly for me to afford.
The repairs on the car were more costly than expected.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

resulting in great expense

Involving significant expense or loss; causing a financial burden.

Synonyms

expensive, financially demanding, high-cost, pricey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
costly	Used when something requires a significant amount of money, often implying a consequence or sacrifice. The mistake was costly for the company. Launching a new product can be a costly endeavor.
expensive	Used when something has a high price and can be difficult for most people to afford. Generally used in everyday situations. This restaurant is really expensive. She bought an expensive dress for the party.
pricey	Used informally to describe something that has a higher price than expected or desired. That gadget is a bit pricey for what it does. The concert tickets were too pricey for us to buy.
high-cost	Used to describe something that requires a large amount of money, often in technical or formal contexts. High-cost medical treatments can be a burden for many families. The high-cost of living in the city is driving people to move to the suburbs.
financially demanding	Used when something requires a lot of money in a way that might cause financial strain. Often used in formal contexts or discussions about financial impact. Sending children to private school can be financially demanding. The project is financially demanding and requires careful budgeting.

Examples of usage

The mistake proved to be quite costly for the company.
The project went over budget and became very costly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

Costly decisions often involve weighing the pros and cons, as they can significantly impact finances.
In economics, a costly decision is generally linked to opportunity cost, the loss of potential gain from other alternatives.
Investments in education or health can be costly but often result in long-term benefits.

Cultural Insights

In some cultures, lavish spending is seen as a status symbol, making costly items a sign of wealth.
Fashion trends often perpetuate the idea that costly items are more desirable or of better quality.
Many cultures celebrate the notion of 'living simply' to avoid the stresses of costly living.

Literature

In literature, 'costly' can describe a character's emotional or physical sacrifice for a greater cause.
Classic novels often explore themes where the protagonist faces costly choices that define their life path.
Poets frequently use the term to evoke strong imagery of loss, longing, or the price of ambition.

Psychology

Research shows that the fear of making costly mistakes can lead to decision paralysis.
Psychologically, humans tend to value things more when they perceive them as costly, leading to exclusivity in desire.
Marketing strategies often leverage the idea of costliness to create perceived value in products.

Origin of 'costly'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French 'costeux,' which means 'costly' or 'expensive.'
It's derived from the word 'cost,' which has roots in Latin, relating to the idea of 'to account' or 'to reckon.'
In Middle English, it was used to describe something that required significant financial commitment.

The word 'costly' originated from the Middle English word 'costli', which meant 'expensive' or 'requiring payment'. It has been used in the English language since the 13th century. Over time, 'costly' has evolved to encompass not only the monetary value but also the implications of expense or loss. The word reflects the enduring human concern with the price and value of things.

See also: cost, costless, costs, costume.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,846, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4843 conform
4844 composite
4845 castle
4846 costly
4847 amplitude
4848 survived
4849 permanently
...