cherish
B2Formal, emotional, literary.
Definition
Meaning
to feel or show great love for someone/something; to keep a pleasant idea, feeling or hope in your mind.
To protect and care for someone/something lovingly; to treasure a memory or value; to cling fondly to an ideal, principle, or belief.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies deep, tender affection, often accompanied by a sense of holding dear and protecting. The object can be a person, memory, object, or abstract idea. It suggests a prolonged, inward feeling rather than a momentary action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of warmth, tenderness, and emotional value in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written, literary, and formal contexts in both varieties. Not a common word in casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
S + V + O (direct object)S + V + O + Adv (e.g., deeply, forever)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cherish the memory (of)”
- “To cherish a grudge (rare, but possible)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically to describe highly valued relationships or assets. (e.g., 'We cherish our long-standing partnership with X.')
Academic
Used in humanities to discuss cultural values, ideals, or memories that a society holds dear.
Everyday
Most common in personal contexts about loved ones, memories, or cherished possessions.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I shall always cherish those childhood holidays in Cornwall.
- He cherishes his signed copy of the novel.
American English
- We cherish our freedom of speech.
- She still cherishes the necklace her grandmother gave her.
adverb
British English
- She spoke cherishingly of her mentor's influence.
American English
- He looked at the old letters cherishingly.
adjective
British English
- It was a cherished family tradition.
- Her most cherished possession was a faded photograph.
American English
- He held a cherished belief in fairness.
- Their cherished goal was finally achieved.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I cherish my family.
- She cherishes her new toy.
- He cherishes the time he spends with his grandfather.
- We cherish the hope of peace.
- The nation cherishes the ideals of liberty and equality.
- It's important to cherish your friendships.
- The author's work is cherished by literary scholars for its depth.
- He cherished an ambition to travel the world, which he finally realised at the age of sixty.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHERub (a sweet angel) holding something precious - you CHERISH it.
Conceptual Metaphor
VALUABLE POSSESSION (treating an idea or person as a treasured item in a box).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'to love' in a general romantic sense (любить). More specific: 'дорожить' (hold dear), 'лелеять' (nurture, foster).
- Be careful with 'беречь' - it implies protection more than emotional attachment.
- It is not an everyday verb for 'like'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'like' (I cherish pizza).
- Using the continuous tense awkwardly (I am cherishing you) is rare and sounds unnatural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate context for the verb 'cherish'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While often used for people, it is perfectly correct for abstract concepts (hopes, memories, ideals, freedom) and sometimes for special objects.
Rarely, but it is possible in a slightly ironic or psychological sense, e.g., 'He cherished a bitter grudge for decades.' The object is still 'held dear', but it is a negative feeling.
There is no direct, commonly used noun. The related concept is expressed with 'cherishing' (gerund) or more commonly, 'cherished memory/possession' or synonyms like 'treasure'.
It is more common in written, formal, or emotionally charged contexts. In everyday casual speech, people are more likely to use 'really love', 'treasure', or 'value highly'.