Cherish Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈtʃɛrɪʃ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb and Noun

Definition

A feeling of deep affection and love, or to treat with great care and attention.

Examples

• She cherished every moment with her grandmother.
• He cherished the memory of their time together.

Synonyms

• Love
• Adore

Antonyms

• Despise
• Abhor

Additional Information

Cherish can be used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to hold someone or something dear, often with a sense of tender love and care. As a noun, it refers to the feeling or emotion of deep affection.

Cherish is often used in phrases such as “cherish the moment” or “cherish the memory,” emphasizing the importance of holding onto valuable experiences or emotions.

In some cultures, cherishing is seen as a key aspect of building strong relationships, as it involves actively showing love, care, and attention to one’s partner or loved ones.

Etymology

The word cherish comes from the Old French word “cherissier,” which means “to love” or “to honor.” It is derived from the Latin word “carus,” meaning “dear” or “beloved.”

Usage Notes

Cherish can be used in a variety of contexts, including romantic relationships, friendships, and family relationships.

Making someone feel cherished can involve small acts of kindness, attention, and love.

Cultural References

Cherish has been featured in various cultural works, including literature, poetry, and music.

In literature, cherish has been used by authors such as Jane Austen and William Shakespeare to express deep emotions and strong relationships.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

idiomatic expressions that include cherish include “cherish the moment” and “cherish the memory.”

Related Words or Phrases

Related words or phrases that include cherish include “love,” “adore,” and “honor.”

Collocations

Common collocations with cherish include “cherish every moment,” “cherish the memory,” and “cherish each other.”

Frequency of Use

Cherish is a moderately rare word, but it is often used in formal or literary contexts to express deep emotions and strong relationships.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of cherish include “cherise,” “cherishy,” and “cherrish.”