value

value [val′yo͞o]

n.

[ME < OFr, fem. of valu, pp. of valoir, to be strong, be worth < L valere < IE base * wal-, to be strong > WIELD]

1. a fair or proper equivalent in money, commodities, etc., esp. for something sold or exchanged; fair price or return

2. the worth of a thing in money or goods at a certain time; market price

3. estimated or appraised worth or price; valuation

4. purchasing power [the fluctuating value of the dollar]

5. that quality of a thing according to which it is thought of as being more or less desirable, useful, estimable, important, etc.; worth or the degree of worth

6. that which is desirable or worthy of esteem for its own sake; thing or quality having intrinsic worth

7. [pl.] the social principles, goals, or standards held or accepted by an individual, class, society, etc.

8. precise meaning, as of a word

9. denomination, as of a postage stamp, playing card, etc.

10. Art

a) relative lightness or darkness of a color

b) proportioned effect, as of light and shade, in an artistic work

11. Math. the quantity or amount for which a symbol stands [to determine the value of x]

12. Music the relative duration of a note, tone, or rest

13. Phonet. the phonological equivalent of a given letter [the values of i in English sin, sine, sing]

vt.

valued, valuing

1. to estimate the value of; set a price for or determine the worth of; appraise

2. to place a certain estimate of worth on in a scale of values [to value health above wealth]

3. to think highly of; esteem [to value a friendship]

SYN.- APPRECIATE, WORTH¹

valuer

n.