be cheap
/biː tʃiːp/verb phrase★Beginner— to cost little money
informal
to cost little money; to be inexpensive
The hotel was cheap, so we stayed there.
The hotel was affordable, so we chose it.
She bought a cheap phone online.
She purchased an inexpensive phone online.
💡
Often used to describe products, services, or experiences that are affordable.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Context Matters
The phrase 'be cheap' can have both positive (affordable) and negative (low-quality) connotations depending on the context.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Negative Connotations
When describing something as 'cheap,' be mindful of the context to avoid implying poor quality.
📖Word Origin
From Old English 'cēap' meaning 'a bargain, a purchase,' related to 'to buy.'
📝Usage Notes
The phrase 'be cheap' is commonly used in everyday language to describe affordability. It can also be used to describe something as low-quality or poorly made.
Word Breakdown
be
to exist in a certain state
verbcheap
costing little money
adjectiveEnglish Dictionary