be pricey

/biː ˈpraɪsi/
phraseIntermediate
informal

to cost a lot of money

New smartphones tend to be pricey.

New smartphones are usually expensive.

💡

Often used to describe things that are more expensive than expected or average.

Collocations

be a bit priceysomewhat expensivebe too priceytoo expensive

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

pricey for a reasonphrase
expensive but of high quality

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use 'be pricey' when describing something that is more expensive than usual or expected.

Gold Rule

Avoid Formal Settings

'Be pricey' is informal. In formal contexts, use 'expensive' instead.

📖Word Origin

From 'price' (cost) + '-y' (suffix indicating state or quality).

📝Usage Notes

'Be pricey' is informal and often used in casual conversation to describe something that is expensive.

Word Breakdown

be
to exist in a certain state
verb
+
pricey
expensive
adjective
English Dictionary