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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary

Expensive/pricey

Hi,
What's the difference between pricey and expensive? In what situation would you use one rather than the other?

The sofa is pricey / expensive.

Thanks!
  

Top answer

They're synonyms. "Expensive" may be more formal.

— Vorpar

  • They're synonyms.
  • "Expensive" may be more formal.
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12 Answers
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They're synonyms. "Expensive" may be more formal.
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Hi,
Both can mean the same thing. It is merely that pricey is considered informal and expensive is used more often.

Regards
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Thank you both for your reply.
Why is 'expensive' more formal but used more often?
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Hi,
Can I say 'The car is less pricey than that one'?

Thanks.
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I would use pricey when something is overpriced, but expensive when the item just costs a lot.
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AnonymousHi,Can I say 'The car is less pricey than that one'?Thanks.
Could someone please reply my question in the quote?
Can I say 'The car is more pricey than that one' or 'The car is pricier than that one'? Which is correct?
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Can I say 'The car is more pricey than that one' or 'The car is pricier than that one'? Which is correct?

Personally, I use "pricier," following the convention of comparative adjectives. The other is OK, though.
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Hi,

I think 'pricey' is a word I might use before I buy something, but not after.

eg I'm very upset, because I got a scratch on my expensive car.
But not
eg I'm very upset, because I got a scratch on my pricey car.'. . . .

Clive
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Thank you all for your answers.
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Hi Clive,
Do you think it's OK or not to use pricey here?

1. "He's very upset, because he got a scratch on his pricey car"?
2. Are oranges usually cheap here?
Yes, they are, but they are pricey now because they are not in season.

Thanks.
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