Understanding ‘Costly’: Boost Your IELTS Score
Learn the meaning, usage, and nuances of the word ‘costly’ to improve your IELTS performance. This video covers the word’s definition, history, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage errors, helping you use it effectively in various contexts beyond just financial expense.
Imagine you’re planning a lavish wedding, only to realize that every decision you make comes with a hefty price tag.
This scenario perfectly illustrates our word of the day: costly. Understanding and using this word correctly can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, so let’s dive into its nuances.
Word type: Costly functions primarily as an adjective in the English language.
Meaning: Costly describes something that is expensive or that requires a great deal of money, effort, or sacrifice.
It goes beyond mere financial expense, often implying a significant investment of resources or a high price paid in various forms.
Word history: The word costly has its roots in Middle English, derived from the Old French word ‘cost’, meaning expense.
It has been in use since the 14th century, maintaining its core meaning while expanding to encompass non-monetary forms of expense.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for costly include inexpensive, cheap, economical, and affordable. These words represent the opposite end of the spectrum, describing things that require little money or effort.
Synonyms: Synonyms for costly include expensive, exorbitant, high-priced, dear, and valuable. In non-monetary contexts, you might use words like demanding, taxing, or burdensome.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s explore how to use costly in various contexts: The company’s decision to expand internationally proved costly, both in terms of finances and human resources.
Climate change could have costly consequences for coastal cities if preventive measures are not taken soon.
Her pursuit of a medical degree was costly in terms of time and energy, but she felt the sacrifice was worth it.
The politician’s ill-considered remark turned out to be a costly mistake, costing him significant support in the polls.
Common errors in use: While costly is a relatively straightforward word, there are some common mistakes to avoid.
First, remember that costly is an adjective, not an adverb. You wouldn’t say “The project went costly.”
Instead, you’d say “The project was costly” or “The project went at a costly rate.” Another error is using costly solely in financial contexts.
While it often relates to money, don’t forget its broader applications to effort, time, or other resources.
Lastly, be cautious not to overuse costly. In formal writing, varying your vocabulary with synonyms can demonstrate a more sophisticated command of English.
To wrap up, mastering the word costly and its various applications can significantly enhance your IELTS performance.
Remember, it’s not just about financial expense, but any significant investment or sacrifice. By incorporating this word accurately in your speaking and writing, you’ll demonstrate the nuanced vocabulary understanding expected at the band 8.0 level.
