preciously
In treasured fashion
Preciously means in a precious manner—with great care or affection, as one might handle something valuable: She held the photograph preciously.
More often it describes affected or excessively refined behavior: He spoke preciously about his collection of antique teacups.
The adverb usually carries a note of disapproval, suggesting someone is being pretentious or overly delicate.
With exaggerated importance
- affectedlyWith artificial manner
- fussilyWith excessive concern
- primlyWith affected formality
- daintilyIn a graceful way
fastidiously · mannered · twee · prissy · coy · self-consciously · artificially · studiedly
Longing for the past
- wistfulSadly longing for something
- emotionalShowing strong feelings
- heartfeltDeeply and sincerely meant
- tenderSoft or sore
touching · yearning · longing · reminiscent · affectionate · fondly · lovingly · warmly
Easily broken or damaged
- tenderSoft or sore
- daintyDelicately small and pretty
- gossamerFilmy, delicate material
- etherealDelicate beyond earthly measure
wispy · diaphanous · lacy · airy · feathery · sheer · fine · gentle
Regarded with deep affection
- belovedOne who is treasured
- adoredIntensely cherished
- valuedHeld in high regard
- prizedGreatly valued or esteemed
dear · loved · honored · appreciated · esteemed · revered · venerated · favored
Beyond monetary worth
- irreplaceableHaving no adequate substitute
- pricelessToo valuable to quantify
- uniqueOnly one exists
- singularOne in number
one-of-a-kind · scarce · exceptional · extraordinary · matchless · unparalleled · incomparable · inestimable
pretentiously
With exaggerated importance
- affectedlyWith artificial manner
- fussilyWith excessive concern
- primlyWith affected formality
daintily · fastidiously · mannered · twee · prissy · coy · self-consciously · artificially · studiedly · ornately
nostalgic
Longing for the past
- wistfulSadly longing for something
- emotionalShowing strong feelings
- heartfeltDeeply and sincerely meant
tender · touching · yearning · longing · reminiscent · affectionate · fondly · lovingly · warmly · dearly
fragile
Easily broken or damaged
ethereal · wispy · diaphanous · lacy · airy · feathery · sheer · fine · gentle · careful
treasured
Regarded with deep affection
prized · dear · loved · honored · appreciated · esteemed · revered · venerated · favored · cared-for
invaluable
Beyond monetary worth
- irreplaceableHaving no adequate substitute
- pricelessToo valuable to quantify
- uniqueOnly one exists
singular · one-of-a-kind · scarce · exceptional · extraordinary · matchless · unparalleled · incomparable · inestimable · costly
preciouslycarelessly
Without due attention
roughly · negligently · recklessly · heedlessly · haphazardly
preciouslynaturally
without artificial help
unpretentiously · plainly · simply · unaffectedly · straightforwardly
preciouslycheaply
At low cost
worthlessly · paltrily · trivially · insignificantly · shoddily
- precious metalsRare, valuable metallic elements
- precious stonesRare, valued mineral specimens
- precious littleAn extremely small quantity
- my preciousPossessive endearment for treasured object
- semi-precious stoneValued mineral, not rare
- precious gemstonesRare, valuable mineral crystals