Valuable, a.
1. Having value or worth; possessing qualities which are useful and esteemed; precious; costly; as, a valuable horse; valuable land; a valuable cargo.
2. Worthy; estimable; deserving esteem; as, a valuable friend; a valuable companion. Valuable consideration (Law), an equivalent or compensation having value given for a thing purchased, as money, marriage, services, etc. Blackstone. Bouvier.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Valuable, n.
A precious possession; a thing of value, especially a small thing, as an article of jewelry; -- used mostly in the plural. The food and valuables they offer to the gods. Tylor.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists valuable only as an antonym, under vain.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given