Cherish
v.kind, thoughtfulwarm
What it means
To hold someone, something, or a memory in deep and careful affection.
Reach for it when expressing enduring value that includes attention and protection
They cherish the recipe book because it carries four generations of notes.
Choose between these
6- everyday
gratitude for worth or benefit is central
not when Appreciation can be mild and does not imply protective devotion.
- everyday
deep affection should be stated plainly
not when Love states deep affection but may omit the attentive appreciation involved in cherishing.
- warm
something feels precious and irreplaceable
not when Treasure can focus on possession more than an ongoing loving relationship.
- professional
importance and respect need a restrained tone
not when Value sounds analytical and may lack emotional closeness.
- formal
affection is joined by profound respect
not when Reverence creates distance and is too solemn for many close relationships.
- literary
hold dear
enduring personal affection suits a graceful phrase
not when The expression can feel too sentimental in practical writing.
Said against
3- despise
- neglect
- discard
It naturally appears in
3- cherish a memory
She will cherish the memory of their dawn walk.
- cherish deeply
The community cherishes deeply the volunteers who rebuilt the hall.
- cherish every moment
They tried to cherish every moment of the brief reunion.
The word family
1Where this comes from
- merriam-webster, verb sense 1 opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.