expensive

UK: ɪkˈspen.sɪv | US: ɪkˈspen.sɪv

Definition
  1. adj. costing a lot of money; high-priced

  2. adj. requiring great effort, time, or resources

  3. adj. (figuratively) involving significant sacrifice or loss

Structure
ex <out>pens <weigh/pay>ive <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "expensive" originates from the Latin expensivus, derived from expendere (to weigh out or pay). The root pens comes from pendere (to weigh), reflecting the historical practice of weighing money for payment. The prefix ex- (out) emphasizes the notion of "paying out" resources. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe anything requiring substantial expenditure, whether monetary or metaphorical.

Examples
  1. The designer handbag was too expensive for my budget.

  2. Time is the most expensive resource in a startup.

  3. His reckless behavior proved expensive in the long run.

  4. The hotel’s expensive decor impressed the guests.

  5. Learning from mistakes can be an expensive lesson.