Cherish Meaning

Meaning of Word

Cherish means to hold something or someone dear with affection and care. It can refer to appreciating something greatly, nurturing it, and treating it with deep love or fondness.

Definitions and Meaning in English

Cherish means to care for someone or something with deep affection and tenderness.
It can also mean to hold something in high regard or value it deeply.
To cherish can involve taking care of something with great attention, ensuring it is preserved or protected.

History and Origin

The word cherish originates from the Old French cherir, meaning “to hold dear” or “to love,” which comes from the Latin carus, meaning “dear” or “beloved.” It has been used in English since the 14th century, initially to describe a sense of nurturing or protecting something with affection. Over time, it came to encompass a broader meaning of valuing something highly.

Detailed Explanation

To cherish someone or something means to deeply care for it, often in a protective and nurturing way. The word implies more than just liking or admiring—cherishing something involves holding it in a place of importance in one’s heart or mind. In relationships, it might refer to showing love and respect for someone, while in a material sense, it could mean taking good care of an object that holds sentimental value.

The act of cherishing often involves a sense of preservation, whether it’s protecting a relationship, a memory, or a cherished object. For example, people may cherish family heirlooms, special moments, or loved ones, often giving these things extra attention and care.

Example Sentences

She cherished the letters her grandmother wrote to her, keeping them safe in a box.
He cherished their time together, knowing that it was precious.
The family cherished the old house, even though it needed repairs.
They cherished the memories of their summer vacations, often reminiscing about the fun times.
He cherished his relationship with his mentor, who had taught him so much.
She cherished every moment spent with her children, knowing how quickly time passed.
The team cherished their victory, celebrating it long after the match ended.
They cherished their quiet walks in the park, away from the busyness of life.
He cherished his childhood toys, even though they were old and worn.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

Treasure: To regard something with great affection and value, much like cherishing it.
Adore: To love and respect something deeply, similar to the act of cherishing.
Value: To consider something important and worthy of care, akin to cherishing it.
Reverence: To deeply respect or honor something, often with a sense of awe, similar to cherishing.
Protect: To keep something safe from harm or loss, a form of cherishing through care and preservation.

Related Words with Short Explanation

Affection: A feeling of love or tenderness, often the foundation of cherishing someone.
Nurture: To care for and encourage the growth of something or someone, similar to how we cherish relationships or objects.
Fondness: A feeling of liking or attachment, closely related to the act of cherishing something.
Sentiment: An emotion or feeling, often linked to the deep affection one feels when cherishing something.
Endearment: A word or gesture that expresses affection, much like the care expressed in cherishing.

More Matches with Short Explanation

Love: A deep emotional connection, often central to the act of cherishing someone.
Appreciate: To recognize the value of something, akin to the act of cherishing it.
Preserve: To protect something from harm or loss, a way of cherishing it over time.
Keep: To hold onto something, often out of a desire to cherish it and prevent its loss.
Admire: To regard something with high regard, often closely tied to the feeling of cherishing it.

Antonyms

Neglect: To fail to care for or pay attention to something, the opposite of cherishing.
Disregard: To treat something with lack of consideration or care, in contrast to cherishing.
Despise: To feel intense dislike for something, the opposite of cherishing it.
Ignore: To pay no attention to something, contrary to the active engagement in cherishing it.
Discard: To throw away or get rid of something, opposite to holding it dear or cherishing it.