valioso
Lemma Details
Translation: valuable; precious; worthwhile; worthy
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: Derived from the Spanish noun 'valor' (value, worth, courage) plus the suffix '-oso' which forms adjectives indicating possession or abundance of a quality. 'Valor' comes from Latin 'valorem' (worth, value), which also gave English words like 'value', 'valuation', and 'valorize'. The Latin root 'valere' means 'to be strong, to be worth' and is the source of English words like 'valid', 'valiant', and 'valor'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tiene una colección valiosa de monedas antiguas.
He has a valuable collection of ancient coins.
Tu opinión es muy valiosa para nosotros.
Your opinion is very valuable to us.
El tiempo es el recurso más valioso que tenemos.
Time is the most valuable resource we have.
Encontraron un valioso manuscrito en la biblioteca.
They found a valuable manuscript in the library.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'valor' (courage) + '-oso' (full of) = 'full of value'
- Sounds like 'valuable' with a Spanish twist
- Remember the English word 'valorize' (to give value to something)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Widely used in both material and abstract contexts. In Spanish culture, describing something as 'valioso' can refer not only to monetary worth but also to sentimental, cultural, or historical significance.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'valioso' means 'valuable' or 'precious', 'valeroso' means 'brave' or 'courageous'. Both derive from the root 'valor' but have different meanings.
Notes: Both adjectives come from the noun 'valor', but 'valor' in Spanish has two main meanings: 'value/worth' and 'courage/bravery'.
Mnemonic: 'Valioso' relates to value (like valuable), while 'valeroso' relates to valor (bravery).
Explanation: 'Valioso' means 'valuable', while 'validoso' (less common) means 'conceited' or 'vain'.
Confused word:
Es una persona validosa que solo piensa en sí misma.
He's a conceited person who only thinks about himself.
Notes: 'Validoso' is much less common than 'valioso' and is used primarily in certain regions.
Mnemonic: 'Valioso' has to do with external worth, while 'validoso' has to do with self-importance.