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expensive
/ɪkˈspɛnsɪv/
costing a lot of money
This restaurant is too expensive for my budget.
The restaurant charges high prices, making it unaffordable for the speaker.
general
Costing a large amount of money; having a high price
The designer shoes were expensive, but they were worth the investment.
The shoes had a high price, but their quality justified the cost.
Living in the city is expensive due to high rent and transportation costs.
The cost of living in the city is high because of expensive housing and commuting.
Often used to describe items, services, or lifestyles that require significant financial resources.
Collocations
expensive mistakea costly error or decisionexpensive tastea preference for high-end or luxury itemsexpensive hobbyan activity that requires significant spending
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The word 'expensive' can be subjective. What is expensive to one person may be affordable to another.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Using 'expensive' too frequently can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like 'costly' or 'pricey'.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'expensif', from Old French 'expensif', from Latin 'expēnsus' (past participle of 'expēnsum', meaning 'to spend'), from 'ex-' (out) + 'pēnsum' (a weight, expense).
Usage Notes
Often used to describe something that is perceived as overpriced or beyond one's financial means. Can also imply value if the cost is justified by quality or benefits.
Word Breakdown
ex-
out, from
prefix-pens
weight, expense
root-ive
relating to
suffixEnglish Dictionary