Do you ever find yourself searching for the right word to express the idea of something being costly in English? Whether you’re learning the language or simply want to expand your vocabulary, knowing different ways to say “expensive” can be incredibly useful. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express the concept of expensive in English. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Expensive
If you are in a formal context, such as a business meeting, academic setting, or professional environment, it’s vital to use appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions that convey the meaning of expensive:
- Pricy: This is a slightly informal term that is considered acceptable in professional settings. It is often used in business conversations or when discussing expensive products or services. For example, “The new luxury car is quite pricy.”
- Costly: This word is commonly used in formal situations to indicate something is expensive. It is neutral in tone and suitable for both written and spoken English. For instance, “Moving to a bigger house can be quite costly.”
- High-priced: As the name suggests, this expression signifies that something has a high price tag. It is often used to describe valuable or exclusive items. An example could be, “The high-priced jewelry collection sparkled in the display window.”
- Exorbitant: If you want to convey a sense of something being unreasonably expensive, “exorbitant” is an apt choice. It implies that the price greatly exceeds what is considered reasonable or fair. For example, “The hotel charges exorbitant rates during peak season.”
- Lavish: This word conveys the idea of luxury and excessive expenditure. It is often used to describe expensive trips, parties, or experiences. For instance, “They threw a lavish wedding ceremony at a beautiful venue.”
Informal Ways to Say Expensive
When you’re having a casual conversation with friends, family, or colleagues, you can use more relaxed language to say something is expensive. Here are some informal expressions you can consider:
- Pricey: This term overlaps with the formal category but is more commonly used in informal contexts. It’s a great choice when discussing the cost of everyday items or services. For example, “Eating at that restaurant is a bit pricey, but the food is worth it.”
- Steep: Used colloquially, this word suggests that something is relatively expensive or requires a significant investment. It can be applied to various situations like purchases, venues, or even prices of concert tickets. For instance, “The ticket prices for the concert were quite steep.”
- Big-ticket: This informal term refers to something that requires a substantial amount of money to acquire or operate. It is often used in conversations about expensive purchases such as cars, appliances, or electronics. An example could be, “Buying a luxury watch is definitely a big-ticket item.”
- Price tag: This expression comes from the idea of a physical tag attached to an item indicating its cost. When used conversationally, it refers to the actual price rather than the quality or worth of an item. For example, “That designer bag comes with a hefty price tag.”
- Spendy: This is a colloquial term that derives from the word “spend” and is mainly used in North American English. It generally denotes something being costly or requiring a significant amount of money. For instance, “The vacation we’re planning is going to be a bit spendy.”
Avoiding Regional Variations
While English is a global language, it’s important to note that certain words or phrases may vary from region to region. However, using general terms like the ones mentioned above should help you communicate effectively with speakers from various English-speaking countries. Additionally, it’s wise to pay attention to the specific context and audience to gauge which words are appropriate.
Examples of Using Expensive Synonyms
Let’s now explore some examples to see how these synonyms for “expensive” can be used in context:
She bought a pricy designer handbag to match her outfit for the gala.
In this example, “pricy” showcases a formal context where the purchase of an expensive designer handbag is being discussed.
Renovating an old house can be quite costly, as it requires a lot of materials and specialized labor.
In this sentence, “costly” is a neutral way of expressing that renovating an old house can be expensive in terms of materials and labor.
He dreamt of owning a high-priced sports car ever since he was a child.
In this example, “high-priced” emphasizes the idea that the sports car the person dreams of is luxurious and comes with a significant price tag.
The exorbitant prices of concert tickets made it difficult for many fans to attend the show.
The use of “exorbitant” in this sentence highlights the unreasonably high prices of the concert tickets, suggesting that it is challenging for fans to afford them.
The couple decided to honeymoon at a lavish resort in the Maldives.
Here, “lavish” demonstrates that the couple chose an expensive and luxurious resort for their honeymoon.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of the different ways to say “expensive” in English. From formal expressions like “pricy” and “exorbitant” to informal terms such as “pricey” and “steep,” you can confidently convey the concept of expensive in various contexts. Remember to consider the formality of the situation and choose the appropriate expression accordingly. With practice and exposure to the language, you’ll gradually become more comfortable using these synonyms and expanding your English vocabulary!
