Cherishes – Definition and Part of Speech
The word cherishes is a verb that conveys a sense of holding something dear or feeling affection towards it. It implies a deep appreciation or fondness for someone or something, often involving nurturing care or preservation. The base form of the verb is “cherish,” with its grammatical forms including present tense (“cherish” or “cherishes”), past tense (“cherished”), and present participle/gerund (“cherishing”). This versatility allows it to be used in various contexts, emphasizing emotional connection and value.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appreciates | Emphasizes recognition of worth or excellence. | “She appreciates the kindness shown by her friends.” | Formal/Informal |
| Values | Stresses importance and significance, often practically. | “He values his education as a foundation for success.” | Business/Casual |
| Adores | Conveys intense affection, often used in personal contexts. | “They adore their newborn child, showering it with love and attention.” | Informal/Expressive |
| Esteems | Implies respect or high regard, often formal. | “She esteems her mentor for the wisdom imparted over the years.” | Academic/Formal |
| Holds dear | Suggests keeping something close in affection or thought. | “He holds dear the memories of his childhood summers at the lake.” | Poetic/Lyrical |
Usage Notes
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Appreciates: This synonym is versatile, suitable for both professional and personal contexts where acknowledging someone’s efforts or qualities is key. It’s often used to express gratitude without implying deep emotional connection.
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Values: Common in business settings, this term underscores the importance or utility of something rather than just affection. It’s ideal when discussing priorities or assets.
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Adores: Best suited for personal and informal contexts where expressing overwhelming love or admiration is desired. Its intensity makes it less appropriate for formal writing unless aiming to convey strong emotion.
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Esteems: With its roots in formality, this word fits well within academic papers or situations that call for a respectful tone towards achievements or character traits.
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Holds dear: Often used creatively, this phrase adds an emotional depth and nostalgic quality, making it suitable for storytelling or reflective writing where personal sentiment is explored.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake when using synonyms of “cherishes” is misinterpreting the intensity or context. For instance, while “adores” and “values” are both expressions of high regard, “adores” suggests a more emotional connection than “values.” Misuse may lead to either underplaying or over-expressing sentiment, depending on the intended message.
Final Recap
In exploring synonyms for cherishes, we’ve identified terms such as appreciates, values, adores, esteems, and holds dear. Each carries its own nuance, from recognizing worth (appreciates) to expressing deep affection (adores), or highlighting importance (values). Understanding these nuances helps in selecting the right word for any given context. To enhance your vocabulary effectively, practice using these synonyms in various scenarios, such as writing emails or crafting narratives, to see how they influence tone and meaning. This exercise will not only broaden your linguistic repertoire but also enrich your communication skills.