Cherish: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you hold something dear to your heart, often indicating a deep emotional connection.

• She will always cherish the necklace her grandmother gave her.
• He cherishes the memories of his childhood.

Use when you value something highly and want to keep it safe, often used for things or moments that are very precious.

• He treasures his collection of rare stamps.
• They treasure their family vacations each summer.

Use when referring to the importance or worth of something, which can be emotional, monetary, or abstract.

• She values honesty above all else.
• They value their time together as a family.

Use when expressing strong feelings of love and admiration, often in a very passionate or devoted way.

• She adores her little puppy.
• He adores his girlfriend and always treats her with kindness.

Use when you want to express recognition of the value or significance of something or someone. It can be used in both emotional and non-emotional contexts.

• I really appreciate your help with the project.
• She appreciates the beauty of the sunset.

Use in emotional or sentimental situations where someone holds something dear or values highly.

• She cherished the old family photos
• He cherishes his childhood memories

General term used to refer to keeping something safe from harm or damage.

• Laws are made to protect citizens
• They wore sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun

Use when referring to keeping something safe from harm or danger, often in a protective or watchful way.

• The dog guards the house at night
• They need to guard their personal information online

Use when talking about maintaining something in its original state, often for future generations or to prevent decay.

• It's important to preserve historical buildings
• They worked to preserve the endangered species

Use in situations where care, growth, and development are involved over time.

• Parents should nurture their children's talents
• She nurtured the plant until it blossomed

Use 'cherish' when you want to express deep fondness and protectiveness towards someone or something. It conveys a sense of treasuring or holding dear.

• She will always cherish the memories of her childhood home.
• They cherish their moments together as a family.

Use 'affection' when you want to express a gentle and warm feeling of fondness or liking towards someone or something. It is less intense than love.

• He showed his affection for her by giving her flowers.
• The cat rubbed against her leg, showing its affection.

Use 'love' to describe a deep, intense, and often selfless affection towards someone or something. It encompasses a wide range of emotions from familial bonds to romantic feelings.

• He has a deep love for his children.
• They fell in love at first sight.

Use 'devotion' when you want to express deep dedication and commitment towards someone or something. It often involves loyalty and can be used in religious or romantic contexts.

• Her devotion to her family is truly admirable.
• Many people show their devotion through acts of kindness and service.

Use 'attachment' when referring to a strong connection or bond with someone or something, often accompanied by emotional dependency. It can sometimes suggest a less intense feeling than affection or love.

• She has a strong attachment to her old teddy bear.
• His attachment to his home country is evident despite living abroad.