My nearest and dearest
Meaning
The people one loves most and considers closest, typically family and intimate friends.
Origin
Imagine a bustling Victorian drawing-room, alive with the chatter of families and friends. The words "dear" and "near" have always held a special warmth in English, describing those cherished people close to our hearts. For centuries, people spoke of those "near and dear" to them, conveying both physical proximity and emotional affection. But it was in the lyrical, often sentimental 19th century that the phrase truly blossomed, adopting the superlative "nearest and dearest" to emphasize the absolute inner circle of one's life. It wasn't born from a grand event, but rather from the simple human need to articulate the profound love felt for one's most cherished companions, crafting a phrase that rings with both intimacy and an almost poetic cadence.
Examples
- I always try to spend the holidays with my nearest and dearest, as their company brings me the most joy.
- When I moved abroad, the hardest part was leaving my nearest and dearest behind, knowing I'd miss our regular gatherings.