/'pri:mɪəm; `primɪəm/
n
1 amount or instalment (to be) regularly paid for an insurance policy 保险费
*Your first premium is now due. 你的第一期保险费现已到期.
2 additional payment, eg one added to wages or interest payments; bonus 额外费用; 津贴; 奖金; 花红
*A premium of
2 per cent is paid on long-term investments. 对投资期限较长者可获百分之二的奖励.
* You have to pay a premium for express delivery. 你得支付特快投递的补加费用.
* [attrib 作定语] Premium rents are charged in the city centre. 市中心要收取额外的租金.
3 (idm 习语) at a `premium
(a) (finance 财) (of stocks and shares) above the normal or usual value （指公债和股票）超过正常或市面的价值; 溢价
*Shares are selling at a premium. 股票溢价出售.
(b) rare or difficult to obtain, and therefore more expensive or more highly valued than usual 因稀少或难得而较之一般昂贵或宝贵
*Space is at a premium in this building. 在这个建筑物里场地面积十分昂贵.
* Honesty is at a premium in this profession, I'm afraid! 依我看, 干这一行诚实的人实在难得! put a premium on sb/sth
(a) make (sb/sth) seem important 使（某人[某事物]）受到重视
*The high risk of infection puts a premium on the use of sterile needles. 由于受感染的风险很大, 无菌注射针的使用受到了重视.
(b) attach special value or importance to sb/sth 高度评价某人[某事物]
*The examiners put a premium on rational argument. 评委们对以理服人的论据给以高度评价.