What's something that doesn't have value in itself, but when attached to something else, then shows its value?

Question

Just give me a couple of examples of such things. I just can't think of one right away. Can be anything--tech product, food, merchandise, whatever. And I don't mean abstract concepts like religion or sentiment or money. I mean something material.

Answer 1

Gosh, that's a hard one. Everything has some sort of intrinsic value. Now if you said something of potential value, added to something with present value, I could understand that.
I mean a bucket of paint has potential value in the bucket, but no real value, until it's on the walls or is beautifying and protecting a home.

But even in the bucket it has value, or all paint would be free, or there wouldn't be any need of it and there would therefore be no such thing as paint.

Samething goes for dirt, you can't eat it, but you can eat what grows in it, same for the seed, and/or almost anything that depends on something else to reach it's usefulness.

If you mean it in that way there are millions of things and situation that could apply.

So I'm with you...I can't think of anything relative to our human earthly exsistence, that has no catalytic or potential value. Other then maybe, my Moter-in-law?

Answer 2

A catalyst (not the thing you can sell, but the tning that, combined with sometning, makes it worth selling). The value-added component of a good, service, or process. The transforming element of an illuminating thought or innovation. The je ne sais quo you bring to a romantic moment, or the charisma that turns a politician into a real leader. In general, the undefinable someting that makes a difference,

Answer 3

For most people, a signature has no value, but placed on a check or contract, it does. A piece of paper has almost no value but with the proper signature when the paper is the right age, it can be worth tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars (A. Lincoln) Ink has almost no value, but records valuable information in a book.

Answer 4

Zero has no value by itself. When added to a number or placed within a numeral, it determines the value of that place.

A key may have no value alone but if it fits the ignition of your car, opens the door to your house, unlocks a safe, etc. it shows its value.

Answer 5

I'd say a picture frame, who shows an empty picture frame off? but with the right art each peice has added attraction.

Answer 6

A tie