This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
costly
[ kawst-lee, kost- ]
/ ˈkɔst li, ˈkɒst- /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective, cost·li·er, cost·li·est.
costing much; expensive; high in price: a costly emerald bracelet; costly medical care.
resulting in great expense: The upkeep of such a large house is costly.
resulting in great detriment: It was a costly mistake because no one ever trusted him again.
of great value; very valuable; sumptuous.
lavish; extravagant.
QUIZ
TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS
Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”
Question 1 of 7
What does "dignity" mean?
Origin of costly
synonym study for costly
1. See expensive.
OTHER WORDS FROM costly
cost·li·ness, nouno·ver·cost·li·ness, nouno·ver·cost·ly, adjectiveun·cost·ly, adjectiveWords nearby costly
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use costly in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for costly
costly
/ (ˈkɒstlɪ) /
adjective -lier or -liest
of great price or value; expensive
entailing great loss or sacrificea costly victory
splendid; lavish
Derived forms of costly
costliness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012