costly

Everyday

1. Costly means costing a lot of money; expensive. tree →
2. Costly means causing a big loss or harm: «a costly mistake». tree →

In the lessons

In maths and money problems it means a high price. In sports and stories a costly mistake leads to losing something important. Phrases: «a costly mistake», «prove costly».

Examples

• The new bike was too costly for us. tree →
• Missing the penalty was a costly mistake. tree →
• Repairing the roof will be costly. tree →
• Which is more costly, 3 pens at 2 dollars or 1 book at 5 dollars? tree →
• Leaving the lights on is costly. tree →
• The delay proved costly for the team. tree →
• He already possessed a costly block of that stone. tree →

Note

Looks like an adverb (-ly) but is an adjective: «a costly trip». Comparison: costlier, costliest (or more costly). Similar: expensive, dear (UK).

In Jewish tradition

Expensive and precious, such as the large fine stones in the Temple and palace foundations.

Interpretation. The costly stones show the honor given to building God's house.

Examples

• And above were costly stones, after the measure of hewn stones, and cedar-wood. (Prophets 1KI.7.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• For too costly is the redemption of their soul, and must be let alone for ever — (Writings PSA.49.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits. (Prophets 1KI.7.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Looks like an adverb (-ly) but is an adjective: «a costly trip». Comparison: costlier, costliest (or more costly). Similar: expensive, dear (UK).