Preciosity
noun
Overrefinement in art, language, or behavior.
Her novel was criticized for its preciosity and lack of authentic dialogue.
Often appears as...
- overwhelming preciosity
- preciosity in art
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
noun
The quality of being precious; great value.
The preciosity of the relic increased after it was realized that it was a royal artifact.
Usage tips
Formal
noun
Overrefinement in art, language, or behavior.
Her novel was criticized for its preciosity and lack of authentic dialogue.
Often appears as...
- overwhelming preciosity
- preciosity in art
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
noun
The quality of being precious; great value.
The preciosity of the relic increased after it was realized that it was a royal artifact.
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literary Usage
Used to describe needless complexity in writing or speech, often to show off.
The poet's preciosity lost him readers; simple words were preferred.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Tone
Carries a negative connotation, implying excessive or forced refinement.
The essay's preciosity overshadowed its message, turning readers away.
Pro Tip 3/3Art Criticism
Commonly used in critiques, suggesting artifice over sincerity or clarity.
The gallery's exhibition was panned for the preciosity of its installations.
Pro Tip 1/3Literary Usage
Used to describe needless complexity in writing or speech, often to show off.
The poet's preciosity lost him readers; simple words were preferred.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Tone
Carries a negative connotation, implying excessive or forced refinement.
The essay's preciosity overshadowed its message, turning readers away.
Pro Tip 3/3Art Criticism
Commonly used in critiques, suggesting artifice over sincerity or clarity.
The gallery's exhibition was panned for the preciosity of its installations.
Pro Tip 1/3Literary Usage
Used to describe needless complexity in writing or speech, often to show off.
The poet's preciosity lost him readers; simple words were preferred.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Tone
Carries a negative connotation, implying excessive or forced refinement.
The essay's preciosity overshadowed its message, turning readers away.
Pro Tip 3/3Art Criticism
Commonly used in critiques, suggesting artifice over sincerity or clarity.
The gallery's exhibition was panned for the preciosity of its installations.
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