cherish
UK: ˈtʃer.ɪʃ | US: ˈtʃer.ɪʃ
vt. to hold something dear; to treat with affection and care
vt. to keep a hope, idea, or memory in one’s mind deeply and fondly
cherish = cher<dear> + ish<verb suffix>
- cher (from Old French cher, meaning "dear" or "beloved," derived from Latin carus)
- ish (a verb-forming suffix indicating action or process, as in "nourish" or "punish")
Etymology Origin:
The word "cherish" entered English in the 14th century via Old French cherir, which itself stemmed from cher ("dear"). The Latin root carus (meaning "beloved" or "expensive") reflects the emotional and material value embedded in the term. Over time, "cherish" evolved to emphasize tender care or emotional attachment, whether toward people, objects, or abstract ideas like hopes.
Parents naturally cherish their children’s happiness above all else.
She still cherishes the handwritten letters from her grandmother.
We must cherish the freedoms we often take for granted.
He cherishes the memory of their first meeting.
The community cherishes this ancient tradition as part of its identity.