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Pricey Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pricey

[หˆpraษช.si ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

expensive luxury

Costing a lot of money, expensive or high-priced.

Synonyms

costly, expensive, high-priced, premium.

Examples of usage

  • That designer handbag is too pricey for me.
  • Living in this neighborhood is quite pricey.
  • The restaurant is known for its pricey menu.
Context #2 | Adjective

overpriced

Excessively high in price compared to its actual value.

Synonyms

costly, expensive, high-priced, overpriced.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pricey

Suitable for informal conversations when describing something that costs a lot but may still be seen as worth it.

  • That restaurant is a bit pricey, but the food is amazing.
  • I find these shoes a bit pricey.
overpriced

Carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the item costs more than it is worth.

  • I think this laptop is overpriced for its features.
  • The souvenirs at the gift shop are quite overpriced.
expensive

Used in both formal and informal settings to describe something that has a high price; often neutral in tone.

  • This watch is really expensive.
  • The rent for that apartment is too expensive.
costly

Typically used in formal contexts to emphasize the high cost of something, especially if it has a significant impact.

  • Their mistake proved to be very costly for the company.
  • Maintaining that old car is quite costly.
high-priced

Often used in formal or commercial contexts to indicate something with a high price. Focuses more on the numerical aspect.

  • The store offers high-priced luxury handbags.
  • High-priced goods are not always better in quality.

Examples of usage

  • I feel like the tickets are a bit pricey for this concert.
  • The hotel room was nice, but it was definitely pricey.
  • Her paintings are beautiful, but they are quite pricey.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In economics, high demand and limited supply can drive prices up, making items pricey.
  • Inflation, which is the general increase in prices, also contributes to the perception of items as pricey over time.
  • Luxury goods are often marked up significantly due to brand perception, elevating their status as pricey.

Pop Culture

  • In popular culture, the term is often used humorously in relation to the cost of dining out or trendy places.
  • Television shows and films frequently play on the concept of high prices, showcasing extravagance in certain lifestyles.
  • Songs about wealth and luxury often reference how pricey things are, highlighting social contrasts.

Psychology

  • Consumers can perceive pricey items as more valuable, as there's a psychological tendency to associate higher prices with higher quality.
  • Over time, frequent exposure to pricey items can alter peopleโ€™s spending habits and their sense of financial normalcy.
  • The 'sunk cost fallacy' suggests that people might continue investing in pricey ventures due to the resources already spent, even if it isnโ€™t beneficial.

Literature

  • Many literary works depict characters' struggles with pricey lifestyles, emphasizing themes of greed and wealth.
  • Classic novels often critique the societal obsession with wealth, using pricey items as symbols of characters' priorities and moral choices.
  • In poetry, the term may symbolize unattainable desires, often reflecting deeper emotional or social commentary.

Origin of 'pricey'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pricey' comes from 'price', which has roots in the Old French word 'pris', meaning still related to cost or value.
  • It emerged in the English language in the late 19th century as a colloquial way of describing something expensive.
  • The suffix '-y' is often used in English to make adjectives, giving an informal or playful tone to words.

The word 'pricey' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the word 'price' with the suffix '-y' to indicate the quality or state of being high-priced. It gained popularity in colloquial language and is commonly used to describe expensive or overpriced items or services.

See also: overprice, overpriced, overpricing, precious, price, priceless, pricer, prices, underprice, underpriced.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,876, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.