preciosity

English

/ˌpɹɛʃiˈɒsəti/, /ˌpɹɛʃiˈɑsəti/

noun
Definitions
  • (usually) The quality of being overly refined in an affected way (often used to describe speech or writing, but also visual art and dress).
  • (usually) An instance of preciosity; something that is overly refined in an affected way.
  • (obsolete) The quality of being precious of high value or worth.
  • (obsolete) Something of high value or worth.

Etymology

Derived from Latin pretiōsitās (great value, high price).

Origin

Latin

pretiōsitās

Gloss

great value, high price

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms