PRECIOUSLY
precious, preciously
(adverb) extremely; “there is precious little time left”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adverb
preciously (comparative more preciously, superlative most preciously)
In a precious manner.
Source: Wiktionary
Pre"cious*ly, adv.
Definition: In a precious manner; expensively; extremely; dearly. Also used
ironically.
PRECIOUS
Pre"cious, a. Etym: [OF. precious, precius, precios, F. précieux, L.
pretiosus, fr. pretium price, worth, value. See Price.]
1. Of great price; costly; as, a precious stone. "The precious bane."
Milton.
2. Of great value or worth; very valuable; highly esteemed; dear;
beloved; as, precious recollections.
She is more precious than rules. Prov. iii. 15.
Many things which are most precious are neglected only because the
value of them lieth hid. Hooker.
Note: Also used ironically; as, a precious rascal.
3. Particular; fastidious; overnice. [Obs.]
Lest that precious folk be with me wroth. Chaucer.
Precious metals, the uncommon and highly valuable metals, esp. gold
and silver.
– Precious stones, gems; jewels.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition