invaluable
UK: ɪnˈvæljuəbl | US: ɪnˈvæljuəbl
adj. of incalculable value; extremely precious
adj. indispensable; beyond monetary worth
The word "invaluable" combines the negative prefix "in-" (meaning "not") with "value" (from Latin valere, "to be strong or worthy") and the suffix "-able" (indicating capability). Originally, "invaluable" did not mean "priceless" but rather "not capable of being valued." Over time, its meaning shifted to emphasize the impossibility of assigning a value due to extreme worth, creating a paradox where "in-" intensifies rather than negates the root. This reflects a linguistic phenomenon where negation prefixes sometimes amplify meaning (e.g., "inflammable" vs. "flammable").
Her guidance was invaluable to the success of the project.
The museum houses an invaluable collection of ancient artifacts.
Time is an invaluable resource that cannot be regained.
His experience in crisis management proved invaluable during the emergency.
The handwritten letters from the poet are invaluable to literary scholars.