To cherish
Meaning
To protect and care for someone or something lovingly, holding it as especially precious.
Origin
The beautiful sentiment of 'to cherish' flows from the Old French verb 'cherir', meaning 'to hold dear, to love, to value.' Its linguistic roots run even deeper into Latin, stemming from 'carus', which expressed concepts of being 'dear' or 'beloved.' This ancient lineage reveals the phrase's enduring core: a profound sense of valuing something so deeply that it inspires devoted care and protection. From the earliest expressions of human affection to modern vows, 'to cherish' has consistently captured the essence of holding something or someone so close to one's heart that it warrants unwavering devotion, embodying a love that goes beyond mere admiration to active, loving preservation.
Examples
- She promised to cherish the antique locket her grandmother had given her, keeping it safe for future generations.
- It's important to cherish every moment with loved ones, as time passes all too quickly.