A person or institution cherished for exceptional cultural value.
Reach for it when praising a person or institution as exceptionally cherished in national culture
The beloved children's author became a national treasure over six decades.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
everyday
Fits when wide recognition and symbolic status lead
Careful An icon may be famous without being loved.
warm
beloved figure
Fits when public affection is more important than official stature
Careful The phrase does not imply national significance.
warm
living legend
Fits when an admired person's lifetime achievements matter
Careful Living legend is limited to people and can sound inflated.
professional
institution
Fits when longstanding public importance is emphasized
Careful Institution can describe influence without affection.
formal
cultural landmark
Fits when enduring significance rather than personality leads
Careful Landmark sounds impersonal when praising a person.
literary
Fits when distinction within a field is the focus
Careful A luminary need not have nationwide affection.
beloved national treasure
The broadcaster became a beloved national treasure through decades of gentle wit.
considered a national treasure
The cedar grove is considered a national treasure by local historians.
living national treasure
The potter was honored as a living national treasure.
Keep in mind
Some countries use Living National Treasure as a formal title; lowercase figurative praise is broader.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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