Golden: meaning, definitions and examples

Ideal for describing something precious, valuable, or aesthetically pleasing. Often used metaphorically to indicate high quality or excellence.

• She had a golden opportunity to advance her career.
• The sunset painted the sky in a beautiful golden hue.

Useful for specifying the actual color of an object without implying any additional value or excellence.

• He wore a gold-colored tie to match his suit.
• The picture frame was gold-colored and stood out on the wall.

Best used in poetic or descriptive contexts to highlight the color in a picturesque or artistic manner.

• The artist used a golden-hued palette for the autumn landscape.
• The golden-hued leaves blanketed the ground in the forest.

Use to describe something literally made of gold or figuratively to indicate something of high quality or great value. Often has a positive connotation.

• She wore a necklace with a golden pendant; They had a golden opportunity to travel the world

Use to describe something that is worth a lot of money or is useful and important. Common in both physical and abstract contexts.

• The painting is incredibly valuable; Her advice was valuable to the project

Use to describe something of great value, either monetary or sentimental, and often small or delicate. Can also indicate endearment.

• He gave her a precious ring; The child is very precious to the family

Use 'golden' to describe something that has the color or qualities of gold. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is very valuable, beautiful, or special.

• She wore a golden dress to the party.
• Those were the golden years of his career.

An 'award' is usually given as a formal recognition of someone's achievement in a particular field. It can be a certificate, a trophy, or a medal.

• He received an award for his exceptional performance.
• The Nobel Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world.

A 'prize' is something that is given to a person or a group as a reward for winning a competition or achieving something. It can be in the form of money, a trophy, or another type of reward.

• She won the first prize in the baking contest.
• The prize for the raffle is a new car.