value
A1Neutral (used across all registers)
Definition
Meaning
The importance, worth, or usefulness of something; the amount of money something is worth.
A principle or standard of behaviour; the numerical amount denoted by an algebraic term; the relative duration of a musical note; the lightness or darkness of a colour.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun 'value' is polysemous, spanning concrete (monetary) and abstract (ethical) domains. The verb form means to assess worth or to hold in high esteem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. In business, 'value-added tax (VAT)' is a standard UK term; in the US, 'sales tax' is more common, though 'value-added' is understood. The verb 'to value' is used identically.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. Slight nuance: In UK property contexts, 'value' often implies a formal surveyor's assessment.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + value: place/put/set a high value on sth[adjective] + value: considerable/great/little value[preposition] + value: of valuevalue + [preposition]: the value of sth to sbVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take something at face value”
- “Good value (for money)”
- “A rise/fall in value”
- “Of no value”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to monetary worth, shareholder value, or the perceived benefit of a product/service (e.g., 'value proposition').
Academic
Used in ethics (moral values), mathematics (absolute value), economics (surplus value), and arts (aesthetic value).
Everyday
Commonly refers to worth, price, or principles (e.g., 'family values', 'good value').
Technical
In computing, a specific data item; in colour theory, lightness/darkness; in music, note duration.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I truly value your friendship.
- The estate was valued at over a million pounds.
- We value honesty above all else.
American English
- Do you value your time here?
- The jeweler valued the ring at $5,000.
- A society that values innovation.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb) 'Value-priced' is a compound modifier.
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb) 'Value-added' services are common.
adjective
British English
- We offer value-for-money packages.
- It was a value investment.
- Look for the value range in supermarkets.
American English
- This is a value meal deal.
- He's a value player for the team.
- Value engineering reduced costs.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This ring has great sentimental value.
- The value of the toy is five pounds.
- I value my family.
- The company's shares dropped in value yesterday.
- He places a high value on punctuality.
- This car is excellent value for money.
- The intrinsic value of the artwork transcends its market price.
- Their political values are fundamentally different.
- We need to reassess the value this partnership brings.
- The theorem hinges on the absolute value of the variable.
- Her research has added considerable value to the field.
- They are accused of betraying the core values of the institution.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VALUable jewel. Its VALUE is what you'd pay for it (price) and why you want it (importance).
Conceptual Metaphor
VALUE IS A QUANTITY (high/low value); IMPORTANCE IS VALUE (I value your opinion); MORALITY IS A VALUABLE OBJECT (shared values).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'value' as 'цена' when meaning 'importance' (use 'ценность', 'значение').
- The verb 'to value' is not 'оценивать' in the sense of pricing, but 'ценить', 'придавать значение'.
- Russian 'стоимость' is closer to 'cost' or 'price'; 'value' is broader.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'value' with 'price' (price is the asked amount, value is perceived worth).
- Using 'values' (plural) for monetary worth (e.g., 'The values of the houses rose' is awkward; use 'value').
- Incorrect preposition: 'I value for your advice' (correct: 'I value your advice').
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'good value for money', what does 'value' primarily refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually uncountable (e.g., 'great value'). It becomes countable when referring to different types or principles (e.g., 'moral values', 'the values of x and y').
They are often synonyms. 'Value' can be more subjective (perceived worth) and is used in economics/mathematics. 'Worth' often implies an inherent, intrinsic level of value.
It is a transitive verb: 'value + object'. It means either 'to estimate the monetary worth of' (The agent valued the house) or 'to consider important' (I value your input).
It means to accept something as it appears, without looking for a hidden meaning or deception (e.g., 'He took her promise at face value').
Collections
Part of a collection
Shopping
A2 · 50 words · Vocabulary for buying and selling goods.
Travel and Culture
B1 · 48 words · Cultural experiences and traveling the world.
Philosophy and Ethics
C1 · 50 words · Philosophical concepts and ethical reasoning.