Valuable

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈvælju(ə)bl̩/

Definitions

1. Something that has great worth, importance, or usefulness
2. Something that holds significant importance or monetary worth | An item or concept regarded as having high usefulness or preciousness | An entity that possesses considerable value, merit, or significance
3. An object or idea that is esteemed for its high usefulness or worthiness is often regarded as precious or important in various contexts

Etymology: The adjective describing something of worth or importance emerged in English during the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century. It is formed by combining the noun "value," which refers to the worth or usefulness of something, with the suffix "-able," which means "capable of" or "worthy of." This formation is typical of English adjectives that express a potential or quality related to their base nouns. The root "value" itself comes from the Old French "value," derived from the Latin "valere," meaning "to be strong, be worth." This Latin root also gives rise to words like "valid" and "valor," all connected by the core idea of strength or worth. The suffix "-able" has its origins in Latin "-abilis," which passed into Old French and eventually English, used to form adjectives indicating ability or suitability. Over time, the word evolved to emphasize not just the monetary or material worth but also the broader sense of importance, usefulness, or desirability. It can describe tangible items, like jewelry or property, as well as intangible qualities, such as skills or experiences that hold significance. Thus, the adjective encapsulates the idea of something possessing worth that makes it desirable, beneficial, or esteemed, a concept that has remained consistent since its entry into English, shaped by its Latin and Old French heritage.

Synonyms: precious, important, worthwhile, priceless, beneficial

Antonyms: worthless, insignificant, trivial