1. excessive refinement in language or behavior; affected elegance
Usage: often disapproving
2. the quality of being precious or valuable
Usage: formal; less common

Examples

• The author’s preciosity made his writing difficult to read.
• Critics dismissed the film for its preciosity and lack of genuine emotion.
• Her speech was marked by an annoying preciosity that alienated listeners.
• The decorator avoided preciosity in favor of comfortable, livable spaces.
• The preciosity of the rare manuscript made it invaluable to collectors.
• He spoke with such preciosity that even simple topics sounded pretentious.