Worth Meaning and Definition
Worth
Pronunciation
/ˈwərθ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A thing of value or importance; a valuable possession or resource.
Examples
- What’s the worth of this antique violin?
- Her courage was her greatest worth.
Synonyms
- Value
- Merit
Antonyms
- Worthlessness
- Uselessness
Etymology
The word “worth” comes from Old English “worth” meaning “worthiness, value”, derived from Proto-Germanic “wurthiz” and Proto-Indo-European “wer-” both meaning “to protect, defend”.
Usage Notes
The word “worth” can be used to describe both tangible and intangible values, such as material possessions or personal qualities like courage.
Cultural References
Benjamin Disraeli’s novel “Sybil” uses the phrase “to be worth” in the context of social status.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
a thing of worth, worth one’s salt, worth one’s while
Related Words or Phrases
- Price
- Merit
- Value
Collocations
- a thing of worth
- worth one’s salt
- worth one’s while
Frequency of Use
The word “worth” is commonly used in everyday language, especially in phrases related to value or importance.
Common Misspellings
- worht
- wrth