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1. Characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
   "children are precious"
   - cherished, treasured, wanted
    
2. Of high worth or cost
   "diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are precious stones"
    
3. Held in great esteem for admirable qualities especially of an intrinsic nature
   "precious memories"
   - valued
    
4. Obviously contrived to charm
   "an insufferably precious performance"
   - cute

1. Extremely
   "there is precious little time left"
   - preciously

See also: artful, loved, preciousness, valuable, worthy

Encyclopedia: Precious