Costly Meaning
Costly Definition & Usage
Describing something that requires a large amount of money to obtain or maintain, often implying that it is expensive or a financial burden.
Examples
- "The new smartphone is quite costly, but it's packed with features."
- "They decided against buying the costly car, opting for something more affordable."
- "Renovating the house has turned out to be more costly than we expected."
- "The restaurant offers costly gourmet meals, but the experience is worth it."
- "His costly habit of collecting rare watches has drained his savings."
Indicating a situation or decision that results in significant emotional, social, or personal loss or sacrifice.
Examples
- "It was a costly mistake that led to the company's downfall."
- "Their costly disagreement resulted in the end of their friendship."
- "The decision to leave her hometown was a costly one, as she lost many relationships."
- "Choosing to focus on his career proved to be a costly choice for his personal life."
- "The costly consequences of his actions became clear after the incident."
Cultural Context
'Costly' has been used for centuries to describe things that come with high expenses. The term often appears in contexts involving material goods, luxury, or large investments. In modern usage, it also has a figurative meaning related to emotional or social costs, reflecting the complex nature of decision-making.
The Cost of Ambition
Story
The Cost of Ambition
In a small town, Sarah had always dreamed of becoming a successful entrepreneur. She had big ideas but very little money to fund them. One day, she came across an opportunity to invest in a high-end coffee shop franchise. It was a costly venture, but Sarah was determined. She took out a loan, and with some effort, she opened the business. At first, everything seemed perfect—customers came in, sales were steady, and she was on her way to making a fortune. However, as the months passed, the costs of running the business became overwhelming. The rent was costly, the ingredients for specialty coffee were expensive, and marketing took more money than anticipated. She found herself working long hours, cutting back on personal time, and missing out on the things that once brought her happiness. One day, after weeks of exhaustion, Sarah sat down with her friend Emma, who asked her how things were going. 'It’s been a costly journey, Emma,' Sarah admitted, her voice filled with regret. 'I’ve sacrificed so much just to keep this business running, but at what cost?' Emma nodded sympathetically. Sarah realized that while her ambition had brought her financial success, it had also taken away her peace of mind, her relationships, and her health. The real cost, she realized, wasn’t just the money—it was everything she had lost along the way. Sarah decided to reevaluate her priorities, learning that some things, like happiness and well-being, are far too costly to sacrifice for success.
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