2 syllables: cost, ly. Stress on cost.
/ˈkɔstli/
Say it backThe word "costly" is an adjective that describes something extravagant, requiring a significant amount of money or resources. It conveys the idea of expense that is often too high or excessive, both financially and in terms of effort. Commonly used in various contexts, it emphasizes the burden of financial output for certain goods or services.
"The car repairs were quite costly, exceeding our budget."
"Investing in quality materials may seem costly upfront, but it saves money in the long run."
"A costly mistake can lead to significant losses in any business."
The word 'costly' is pronounced as /ˈkɑːstli/ in US English, and /ˈkɒstli/ in UK English. Emphasis is placed on the first syllable 'cost', which is pronounced with an open back unrounded vowel [ɑː] in American English, contrasting with the short open back rounded vowel [ɒ] in British English. This distinction illustrates varying regional pronunciations.
Common mistakes when pronouncing 'costly' arise from misplacing the stress or mispronouncing the vowel sound in the first syllable. Some learners might say 'COST-ly' with equal stress on both syllables or confuse it with similar sounding words. Remember to emphasize the first syllable, maintaining clarity in the vowel sound.
In US English, 'costly' is pronounced as /ˈkɑːstli/ with a flat 'a', while in UK English it shifts to /ˈkɒstli/, where the 'o' sounds more rounded. Australian English typically mirrors the UK pronunciation. These subtle differences highlight the impact of regional accents on vowel quality, which can alter the overall perception of the word.
Mastering the pronunciation of 'costly' is vital as it frequently appears in discussions about finance, value, and decision-making processes. Mispronunciation might lead to misunderstandings, particularly in formal contexts. Therefore, ensuring clarity in pronunciation can enhance effective communication, especially in business and economic discussions.
When 'costly' appears in phrases, it remains pronounced as /ˈkɑːstli/ or /ˈkɒstli/. However, in rapid speech, the 't' may sometimes get softened, leading to a fluid connection with nearby words. Pay attention to maintaining the integrity of the word while articulating it to avoid reductions that can obscure meaning.
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The term "costly" originates from the Old English word "cost” which means "price" or "expense." This form comes from Proto-Germanic *kostiz, which relates to the concept of an outlay or expenditure. The suffix ‘-ly’ has Old English roots as well, which implies ‘in the manner of.’ The combination signifies 'having a cost.' The first recorded use of the word 'costly' dates back to the 14th century when it was used to describe items that require considerable resources to obtain. Over the centuries, the meaning evolved to encompass not just financial matters, but also metaphorical uses, emphasizing value or significance in various contexts.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "costly" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "costly" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "costly" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "costly"
-tly sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
