value
value — noun
1. the money that something could sell for if someone wanted to buy it
the money that something could sell for if someone wanted to buy it
The value of Élise's apartment rose sharply after the new train station opened.
value + rise/fall (collocation for price change)
Antique dealers calculate the value of old furniture before they make an offer.
Land in this area tends to hold its value better than in other parts of the city.
The market value of the painting was much higher than the auction house had expected.
Nobody at the garage sale could agree on the value of the old vinyl records.
- price
the specific amount asked or paid, whereas 'value' is a broader assessment
- worth
similar meaning but slightly more subjective and less technical
- market price
the current value determined by what buyers are willing to pay
文法句型
the value of [something]
[something]'s value
用法筆記
Often used with prepositions 'of' (the value of something) or 'at' (valued at an amount). The plural 'values' can refer to prices of multiple items ('property values have fallen').
常見錯誤
2. the importance that something has for a particular person, often for emotional,
the importance that something has for a particular person, often for emotional, personal, or relational reasons
The value of friendship became clear to Indra when she moved to a new city alone.
the value of [abstract noun]
Arjun's grandfather taught him the value of patience through years of quiet example.
Takeshi did not understand the sentimental value of the old watch until his mother explained its history.
People from different cultures place very different values on things like punctuality and politeness.
For Salma, a quiet evening at home was of greater value than any party or social event.
- importance
broader and more formal; can apply to practical matters too
- significance
more formal, often used for long-term or deep importance
- worth
overlaps in meaning, especially in 'worth of a relationship'
文法句型
the value of [something]
place a value on [something]
用法筆記
Distinguish from noun sense 3 (USEFULNESS): this sense is about emotional or relational significance, while sense 3 is about practical utility. Use 'place a high value on [something]' to express what someone considers important.
常見錯誤
3. the quality that makes something helpful, practical, or worth doing for a partic
the quality that makes something helpful, practical, or worth doing for a particular purpose
This research data is of great value to scientists studying the effects of climate change.
be of great value to [someone]
Gabriel questioned the value of spending so much money on a software system nobody would use.
The training program offers real value for anyone hoping to start their own restaurant.
Historical documents have lasting value even when they are difficult to read at first.
The value of regular exercise goes far beyond just helping people lose weight.
- uselessness
complete lack of value or purpose
文法句型
be of [adjective] value to [someone]
have [adjective] value
常見錯誤
4. a collection of beliefs and moral standards that guide how a person or group beh
a collection of beliefs and moral standards that guide how a person or group behaves, especially concerning right and wrong
The school tries to teach students traditional values such as honesty and respect for others.
traditional / moral / family values (common modifiers)
Amani's parents passed on strong values about helping people in the local community.
The company lists environmental protection as one of its core values.
Liam's personal values clashed with the way the marketing department was running its campaigns.
Modern societies often struggle to agree on a shared set of values across different communities.
- principles
more formal and abstract; focuses on moral rules rather than guiding beliefs
- ideals
emphasises the aspirational or perfect standard someone aims for
- standards
focuses on the expected level of behaviour
文法句型
[someone]'s values
family / moral / traditional values
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form ('values') in this sense. The singular 'value' is rare and only appears in fixed phrases like 'a person of value' or 'value system'.
常見錯誤
5. a number or quantity shown by a letter, symbol, or measurement in mathematics, s
a number or quantity shown by a letter, symbol, or measurement in mathematics, science, or computing
In this equation, the variable X can take any value between zero and one hundred.
take a value (common maths collocation)
The pH value of pure water at room temperature is exactly seven.
Christopher entered all the measured values into the computer for further analysis.
Each sensor records the numerical value of the voltage every few seconds.
The average value of the test results was lower than the engineers had predicted.
文法句型
the value of [variable/measurement]
[something] takes/has a value
常見錯誤
6. the quality of being worth the amount of money paid, measured by comparing price
the quality of being worth the amount of money paid, measured by comparing price with the benefit or quality received
The set lunch at that restaurant is excellent value at only three hundred dollars for three courses.
good / great / excellent value (common adjective pairs)
For value, you cannot beat this brand of washing powder according to the consumer reports.
The Sato family chose the hotel because it offered good value for money compared with others nearby.
Many shoppers now look for value rather than luxury when they buy clothes for everyday use.
The all-in-one printer gives good value because it also scans, copies, and sends faxes.
- rip-off
informal; something that costs too much for what you get
文法句型
[something] is good / excellent / great value
value for money
常見錯誤
value — verb
1. to say what price something could be sold for after examining it or calculating
to say what price something could be sold for after examining it or calculating its qualities
A professional jeweller valued the diamond ring and said it was worth over fifty thousand dollars.
passive: valued at [amount]
The insurance company sent an expert to value the damaged car after the accident.
Obi's antique desk was valued at nearly eight thousand dollars by the auction house.
Property in this neighbourhood has been valued much higher since the park was renovated.
William asked three different dealers to value his collection of rare coins.
文法句型
value [something] at [amount]
be valued at [amount]
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice followed by 'at' + amount: 'something is valued at [price]'. The active voice means an expert performs the appraisal.
常見錯誤
2. to feel that someone or something matters a lot to you and to treat them with ca
to feel that someone or something matters a lot to you and to treat them with care and appreciation
Rania deeply values the time she spends each week with her elderly grandmother.
deeply / highly value (common intensifiers)
The team leader said she values her employees' opinions and always listens to their ideas.
Unlike her brother, Defne valued her privacy above everything else in her life.
The local school is valued by the whole community as a safe place for children to learn.
Lucía valued curiosity more than test scores when she was teaching her science class.
- cherish
warmer and more emotional; emphasises affection and care
- treasure
similar to 'cherish'; suggests keeping something safe and dear
- appreciate
focuses on recognising the worth of something, often with gratitude
- disregard
to treat something as unimportant or unworthy of attention
- undervalue
to not recognise the true worth of someone or something
文法句型
value [someone/something]
highly value [someone/something]
用法筆記
Distinguish from verb sense 1 (APPRAISE): this sense is about emotional importance, not monetary assessment. The adverb 'highly' is commonly used to intensify: 'a highly valued member of the team'.
常見錯誤
value — adjective
1. describing a product or service sold at a low price while still offering reasona
describing a product or service sold at a low price while still offering reasonable quality, usually as part of a budget product line
The supermarket chain launched a new value range that includes basic items like rice and cooking oil.
value range / value brand / value line (common retail terms)
Many consumers now choose value brands over expensive designer labels to save money.
The airline introduced a value fare that only includes a seat and one small piece of luggage.
Esteban bought the value pack of toilet paper because it was cheaper per roll than the regular size.
Mei-Lin chose the value washing powder because it cost twenty dollars less than the popular brand.
文法句型
value [noun] — always before a noun
用法筆記
This adjective is used only before a noun ('value brand', 'value range', 'value product'). It cannot be used after a linking verb: ❌ 'This product is value.' ✅ 'This is a value product.'