What is costly? Pronunciation and usage in English

costly means . Learn how to pronounce and use costly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of costly

costlyadjective

/ˈkɒstli//ˈkɔːstli/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "costly" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • "Cost": This part is fairly straightforward. It sounds like "coast" – like the ocean. The "o" is a short "o" sound, like in "hot."
  • "ly": This is a suffix that adds a "-ly" to the end of a word, making it an adverb (describing a way of doing something). The "ly" itself makes a soft "l" sound, similar to the "l" in "light."

2. Putting it Together – The Primary Pronunciation:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈkɒst.lɪ

Let’s break that down further:

  • ˈkɒst: Stress is on the first syllable ("cost"). The "o" is a short "o" sound (as in "hot"). The "st" is pronounced as one syllable.
  • lɪ: This is a very short, quick "i" sound – like the "i" in "bit".

3. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

You might see this written phonetically: /ˈkɒst.li/

  • ˈ - This symbol indicates primary stress.
  • k - as in "kite"
  • ɒ - a short, rounded "o" sound (like in "lot" or "caught")
  • s - as in "sun"
  • t - as in "top"
  • l - as in "light"
  • ɪ - a short, quick “i” sound (like in "bit")

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Don’t over-emphasize the “l”: The “l” in "costly" is very quiet and quick. It’s not a strong, emphasized "l" like in "light."
  • The "o" is short: Avoid making the "o" in "cost" sound like a long "o" as in "boat."
  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is the BEST way to learn! Search online for “how to pronounce costly” on YouTube or use a dictionary website like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary that has audio pronunciation. Hearing it will really help you get the rhythm and intonation right.

Resources for Hearing Pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word with a similar sound?

Usage and examples with the word costly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "costly" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Basic Meaning: Expensive

  • Most Common Use: "Costly" simply means something is expensive. It's a slightly more formal way of saying "expensive."

    • Example: "That antique car was a costly investment." (It was a very expensive purchase.)
    • Example: "Living in this city is costly." (It’s expensive to live here.)

2. Meaning: Difficult or Painful (Figuratively)

  • Beyond Monetary Cost: "Costly" can also describe something that involves a significant loss – not just money, but also time, effort, emotions, or something valuable. It suggests a heavy price has been paid.

    • Example: "The war was a costly victory." (It came at a huge cost in lives and resources.)
    • Example: "Her illness proved costly in terms of her health and happiness." (It impacted her health and joy significantly.)
    • Example: “Taking that job was costly for their marriage – they spent a lot of time apart.” (It caused problems within their relationship.)

3. Describing Consequences

  • Highlighting Negative Outcomes: Often, "costly" is used when discussing the negative results of a choice or event.

    • Example: "The company's decision to cut corners proved costly in the long run, leading to product defects."
    • Example: "Ignoring the warning signs was costly; the damage to the building was extensive."

4. Grammatical Usage

  • Adjective: "Costly" is always an adjective – it describes a noun.

    • "A costly mistake"
    • "A costly battle"
    • "Costly repairs"

  • Not a Verb: You cannot use "costly" as a verb.

Tips for Using "Costly" Effectively:

  • Consider the Context: Think about whether you're focusing on the monetary price, or a broader sense of sacrifice or hardship.
  • Stronger than "Expensive": “Costly” often feels more emphatic than simply saying something is “expensive.”
  • Figurative Language: Recognize that it often carries a figurative meaning, suggesting serious consequences.

Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Expensive
  • Dear
  • Pricey
  • High-priced
  • Heavy (when referring to a burden or sacrifice - "a costly sacrifice")

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

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Synonyms for the word costly

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