What does preciosity mean?
Preciosity refers to an excessive concern with being precise, delicate, or refined, often resulting in affected or pretentious behavior. This quality can manifest in various aspects of life, such as language, art, or social interactions. When describing someone's preciosity, it is often implied that they prioritize appearances or social status over authenticity or simplicity. The term is frequently used in literary criticism to describe writing styles that are overly elaborate or ornate. Understanding preciosity can help individuals recognize and navigate complex social situations or artistic expressions.
nounThe quality of being overly concerned with being precise or delicate, often to the point of being affected or pretentious.
- The quality of being preciosity
- A preciosity or affected mannerism
"The writer's preciosity in describing the character's emotions made the passage feel overly elaborate."
"The novelist's preciosity in describing the setting created a sense of detachment."
"The artist's use of preciosity in her work was seen as a commentary on societal expectations."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of preciosity
The term 'preciosity' originates from the Latin 'pretiosus,' meaning precious or costly. It developed in the 17th century to describe a literary and artistic movement characterized by elaborate and refined styles. Over time, the term took on a broader meaning, encompassing not only artistic or literary affectations but also social behavior.
How preciosity is actually used
This word often carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is being overly concerned with appearances or social status. It is commonly used in literary criticism or when describing someone's behavior.