The word "valuable" is pronounced /ˈvæljuəbl/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound, as in "cat." The second syllable has the diphthong "al," which starts with the "a" sound as in "father" and ends with the "l" sound. The third syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, like the "u" in "cup." The spelling of "valuable" might seem a bit tricky, but its sounds can be clearly identified using phonetic transcription.
Valuable refers to something that holds great worth, importance, or usefulness. It is an adjective that describes an object, possession, asset, or quality that is considered to be of high value or desirability. Something that is valuable typically possesses qualities such as being rare, highly sought after, or having a significant impact or benefit.
In the context of material objects, valuable often refers to items that have monetary or sentimental worth. These objects may include precious metals, gemstones, artwork, antiques, or collectibles that are considered to be rare, distinctive, or have historical significance. Valuables are often protected or insured due to their monetary worth and are frequently stored in secure places.
Valuable can also describe intangible qualities, like knowledge, skills, or abilities that are highly useful or beneficial. For example, possessing fluency in multiple languages or having expertise in a specific field can be considered valuable qualities in today's globalized world. Additionally, personal traits such as honesty, loyalty, and integrity may be seen as invaluable qualities in relationships or professions.
Furthermore, valuable can also be used to describe an experience, time, or opportunity that is significant, meaningful, or capable of producing positive outcomes. Such valuable experiences may include educational opportunities, travel experiences, or time spent with loved ones, which enrich individuals' lives and contribute to personal growth.
In summary, valuable refers to something that possesses worth, importance, or usefulness, whether in terms of material possessions, intangible qualities, or meaningful experiences.
Having value or worth; precious; costly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "valuable" comes from the Latin word "valere" which means "to be worth" or "to be strong". This Latin root gave rise to the Old French word "valuable" which means "of value" or "worthy". Over time, this word was adopted into English, retaining the same meaning of something that is worth a lot or highly regarded.