costly
|cost/ly|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈkɔːstli/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɒstli/
expensive
Etymology
Etymology Information
'costly' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'costli,' where 'cost' meant 'expense' and '-ly' was an adjective-forming suffix.
Historical Evolution
'costli' transformed into the modern English word 'costly' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'expensive or high-priced,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
involving great expense; high-priced; expensive.
The repairs turned out to be more costly than expected.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
causing loss or disadvantage; detrimental.
His costly mistake led to the team's defeat.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35