monetary

American  

[mon-i-ter-ee, muhn-] / ˈmɒn ɪˌtɛr i, ˈmʌn- /

adjective

1. of or relating to the coinage or currency of a country.

2. of or relating to money; pecuniary.

   The necklace has sentimental as opposed to monetary value.

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monetary British  

/ -trɪ, ˈmʌnɪtərɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to money or currency

2. of or relating to monetarism

   a monetary policy

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Synonym Usage

See financial.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• monetarily
  adverb
• premonetary
  adjective
• nonmonetary
  adjective
• unmonetary
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of monetary

First recorded in 1660–70; from Late Latin monētārius “pertaining to the mint”; see money, -ary

Explanation

If it has to do with money or currency, it’s monetary, like your childhood toy collection that has no monetary value, but you love it nonetheless. The adjective monetary is related to a Latin word that means “mint,” which is not just a refreshing gum or ice cream flavor but, in this case, where money is made. Anything that pertains to money can be described as monetary, like a country whose monetary system consists of metal coins of different denominations or an antiques expert who can tell you the monetary value of the old things in our attic.

Related Words

• budgetary
• financial
• fiscal