| 释义 |
invaluable, a. (n.)|ɪnˈvæljuːəb(ə)l|
[in-3.]
1. That cannot be valued; above and beyond valuation; of surpassing or transcendent worth or merit; priceless, inestimable.
1576Fleming Panopl. Epist. 172 note, Honest and faithful friends are an invaluable jewel. 1622R. Aylett in Farr S.P. Jas. I (1848) 203 This most rich inualewable treasure. 1652Kirkman Clerio & Lozia 92 A Box wherein was her Pourtraiture of an invaluable worth. 1707Norris Treat. Humility vi. 262 A good name..is a valuable, or if you will, an invaluable thing, not to be valued by money. 1741Butler Serm. Ho. Lords Wks. 1874 II. 268 A free government..is an invaluable blessing. 1850Carlyle Latter-d. Pamph. iv. 29 All men know..that to men and Nations there are invaluable values which cannot be sold for money at all. 1879M. Arnold Ess., Democr. 37 Its negative intellectual action..has been invaluable.
†b. Too great to be estimated; incalculable.
a1694Tillotson Serm. (1744) XI. 4818 In contemplation of his sufferings, and of their own invaluable loss. 1704Hearne Duct. Hist. (1714) I. 150 Books..which do in some measure make amends for the otherwise invaluable Loss.
2. Without value, valueless.
1640Treaty at Ripon (1869) p. xiv, The money I have received is so invaluable a sum that I have forborne as yet to pay it in. 1803G. Colman John Bull iii. i, I flattered myself I might not be altogether invaluable to your lady⁓ship. 1865T. Wright in Intell. Observ. No. 47. 385 An interesting and far from an invaluable labour.
Hence inˈvaluableness, inestimableness; inˈvaluably adv., beyond valuation, inestimably.
a1601? Marston Pasquil & Kath. ii. 208 Loue, invaluably precious. 1625Bp. Hall Serm. Thankskgiv. Jan. Wks. 1634 II. 301 That invaluably precious blood of the Sonne of God. a1656― Satan's Fiery Darts quenched ii. (R.), Deny, if thou canst, the invaluablenesse of this heavenly gift. |
