sentimental value: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to semi-formal. Commonly used in everyday conversation, personal writing, journalism, and some academic contexts (e.g., sociology, anthropology).
Quick answer
What does “sentimental value” mean?
The value of an object that does not come from its monetary worth or usefulness, but from personal, emotional, or historical associations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The value of an object that does not come from its monetary worth or usefulness, but from personal, emotional, or historical associations.
The emotional significance or personal meaning attached to an object, place, relationship, or memory, often associated with nostalgia, love, or a sense of history. This value is subjective and personal, not objective or financial.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in usage and meaning across both varieties. No significant lexical or grammatical differences.
Connotations
Identical connotations.
Frequency
Equally common and natural in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “sentimental value” in a Sentence
[Object] has sentimental value (to/for [person])[Person] attaches sentimental value to [object]Its value is purely sentimental.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sentimental value” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I don't think he values it at all.
- She treasures that brooch.
American English
- He doesn't value it monetarily, but sentimentally.
- She really cherishes that old baseball.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like estate valuation, auction house descriptions, or insurance where non-monetary worth is acknowledged.
Academic
Used in cultural studies, sociology, and anthropology when discussing material culture, heirlooms, or collective memory.
Everyday
Very common. Used to explain why one keeps an old toy, a gift, a photograph, or a family item despite its lack of monetary worth.
Technical
Used in law (e.g., compensation for loss of items of 'sentimental value') and professional appraisal/antiquing contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sentimental value”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sentimental value”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sentimental value”
- Incorrect article use: *'It has a sentimental value.' (Correct: 'It has sentimental value.' or 'It is of sentimental value.')
- Using it for people: *'My grandmother has sentimental value to me.' (Incorrect for people; use 'is dear/special to me'). The phrase is primarily for objects, places, or abstract concepts.
- Spelling: 'sentimantal', 'sentamental'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally considered incorrect or dehumanizing. Use phrases like 'is dear/special/important to me' for people. The phrase is for objects, places, or memories.
They are very similar and often interchangeable. 'Sentimental value' often implies a connection to the past or nostalgia, while 'emotional value' can refer to any emotional attachment, including current ones.
It is most commonly a noun phrase used after the verb 'have' or in the structure 'be of sentimental value'. It rarely takes an indefinite article ('a').
Yes, absolutely. A famous painting, a vintage car, or a piece of antique jewellery can be both financially valuable and hold deep personal or historical sentimental value for an owner or a community.
The value of an object that does not come from its monetary worth or usefulness, but from personal, emotional, or historical associations.
Sentimental value is usually neutral to semi-formal. commonly used in everyday conversation, personal writing, journalism, and some academic contexts (e.g., sociology, anthropology). in register.
Sentimental value: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛntɪˈmɛnt(ə)l ˈvaljuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛn(t)əˈmɛn(t)l ˈvælju/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's worth more in memories than in money.”
- “You can't put a price on it.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SENTimental LETTER from a loved one. Its VALUE isn't in the paper or ink, but in the feelings (sentiments) it holds.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT IS A FORM OF CURRENCY / MEMORIES ARE TREASURE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described as having 'sentimental value'?