Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

Va|lium /væ liəm/ (Valium ) N‑VAR Valium is a drug given to people to calm their nerves when they are very depressed or upset. [TRADEMARK ]

val|ley ◆◇◇ /væ li/ (valleys ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A valley is a low stretch of land between hills, especially one that has a river flowing through it. □  …a wooded valley set against the backdrop of Monte Rosa. □  …the Loire valley.

val|our /væ lə ^r / in AM, use valor N‑UNCOUNT Valour is great bravery, especially in battle. [LITERARY ]

valu|able ◆◇◇ /væ ljuəb ^ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as valuable , you mean that they are very useful and helpful. □  Many of our teachers also have valuable academic links with Heidelberg University. □  The experience was very valuable.

2 ADJ Valuable objects are objects which are worth a lot of money. □  Just because a camera is old does not mean it is valuable. □  …valuable books.

valu|ables /væ ljuəb ^ə lz/ N‑PLURAL Valuables are things that you own that are worth a lot of money, especially small objects such as jewellery. □  Leave your valuables in the hotel safe.

valua|tion /væ ljue I ʃ ^ə n/ (valuations ) N‑VAR A valuation is a judgment that someone makes about how much money something is worth. □ [+ of ] …an independent valuation of the company. □  Valuation lies at the heart of all takeovers.

value ◆◆◆ /væ ljuː/ (values , valuing , valued )

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] The value of something such as a quality, attitude, or method is its importance or usefulness. If you place a particular value on something, that is the importance or usefulness you think it has. □  Further studies will be needed to see if these therapies have any value. □ [+ on ] Ronnie put a high value on his appearance. ● PHRASE If something is of value , it is useful or important. If it is of no value , it has no usefulness or importance. □ [+ to ] This weekend course will be of value to everyone interested in the Pilgrim Route.

2 VERB If you value something or someone, you think that they are important and you appreciate them. □ [V n] I've done business with Mr Weston before. I value the work he gives me. ●  val|ued ADJ □  As you are a valued customer, I am writing to you to explain the situation.

3 N‑VAR The value of something is how much money it is worth. □ [+ of ] The value of his investment has risen by more than $50,000. □  The country's currency went down in value by 3.5 per cent. ● PHRASE If something is of value , it is worth a lot of money. If it is of no value , it is worth very little money. □  …a brooch which is really of no value. □  It might contain something of value.

4 VERB When experts value something, they decide how much money it is worth. □ [V n] Your lender will then send their own surveyor to value the property. □ [have n V -ed] I asked him if he would have my jewellery valued for insurance purposes. □ [V -ed] He has been selling properties valued at £700 million.

5 N‑UNCOUNT You use value in certain expressions to say whether something is worth the money that it costs. For example, if something is or gives good value , it is worth the money that it costs. □  The restaurant is informal, stylish and extremely good value. □  Courses which are offered through these local colleges are fantastic value for money.

6 N‑PLURAL [oft with poss] The values of a person or group are the moral principles and beliefs that they think are important. □  The countries of South Asia also share many common values.