priceless
UK: ˈpraɪsləs | US: ˈpraɪsləs
adj. 1. so valuable that its worth cannot be measured
adj. 2. extremely amusing or absurd
The word "priceless" combines "price" (from Old French "pris," meaning "value" or "reward," ultimately from Latin "pretium") with the suffix "-less" (Old English "-lēas," meaning "without"). Originally, it described objects of immeasurable value (e.g., art or heirlooms). Over time, it gained a humorous sense (early 20th century) to describe something so ridiculous or delightful that it "defies valuation." The dual meaning reflects both literal and ironic extremes of worth.
The museum's collection includes priceless artifacts from ancient civilizations.
Her reaction to the surprise was priceless—she screamed and then burst into laughter.
This handwritten letter by Einstein is considered a priceless historical document.
The comedian's facial expressions were absolutely priceless.
Losing that data would be a priceless loss for our research.