— valuableness , n. — valuably , adv.
/val"yooh euh beuhl, -yeuh beuhl/ , adj.
1. having considerable monetary worth; costing or bringing a high price: a valuable painting; a valuable crop.
2. having qualities worthy of respect, admiration, or esteem: a valuable friend.
3. of considerable use, service, or importance: valuable information.
n.
4. Usually, valuables . articles of considerable value, as of personal property, esp. those of relatively small size: They locked their valuables in the hotel safe.
[ 1580-90; VALUE (v.) + -ABLE ]
Syn. 1, 3. VALUABLE, PRECIOUS refer to that which has pecuniary or other value. VALUABLE applies to whatever has value, but esp. to what has considerable monetary value or special usefulness, rarity, etc.: a valuable watch. That which is PRECIOUS has a very high intrinsic value or is very dear for its own sake, associations, or the like: a precious jewel, friendship.
Ant. 1-3. worthless.