cherish

/ˈtʃerɪʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtʃerɪʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈcher-ish ˈche-rish/ (ame, mw)

cherish — verb

  • cherishpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • cherisheshe / she / it
  • cherishedpast simple
  • cherishing-ing form

1. to regard someone or something with deep affection and a strong wish to protect

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to regard someone or something with deep affection and a strong wish to protect and keep them close, because they are extremely precious to you.

例句

Aiko still cherishes the pearl bracelet her grandmother gave her before moving abroad.

cherish + treasured object from loved one

The Watanabe family cherished the old hand-stitched quilt that survived the earthquake.

passive-adjacent: cherished object with history

同義詞
  • adore

    Stronger emphasis on intense love, sometimes with worshipful quality; common in romantic contexts

  • treasure

    Focuses on the high personal value you place on something or someone

  • dote on

    More informal; implies showing indulgent, often excessive affection

反義詞
  • neglect

    To fail to care for properly, the opposite of protective care

  • abandon

    To leave behind entirely, opposite of keeping close

文法句型

cherish somebody/something

用法筆記

Stronger and more tender than simply 'love' — it implies a protective, careful quality. Commonly used with family members, close friends, pets, or personally meaningful objects.

常見錯誤

❌I cherish my new phone because it has a good camera.
✅I like my new phone because it has a good camera.
💡'Cherish' is too emotionally strong for ordinary possessions; use 'like' or 'enjoy' instead.
❌She cherished him, so she bought him a gift.
✅She cherished him, always making sure he felt safe and loved.
💡'Cherish' implies ongoing protective care, not a one-time action.

2. to carefully develop and maintain something that matters to you, giving it the o

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to carefully develop and maintain something that matters to you, giving it the ongoing time, effort, and attention it needs to grow or thrive.

例句

Diego cherished his friendship with Nadia by calling her every Sunday without fail.

cherish + friendship + active upkeep

The gardener cherished the rare rose bush, watering it by hand each morning.

同義詞
  • nurture

    More neutral; emphasizes helping something grow through care and attention

  • cultivate

    Deliberate, effortful development over time, often of skills or relationships

  • foster

    Gentle, encouraging support, especially of growth or development in others

反義詞
  • neglect

    To fail to give the needed care or attention

  • spoil

    To harm by overindulgence or lack of proper care

文法句型

cherish something

用法筆記

Frequently used with abstract nouns such as 'friendship', 'tradition', 'relationship', or 'talent'. Unlike sense 1, the focus here is on active, ongoing development rather than simply holding someone or something dear.

常見錯誤

❌She cherished her garden by watering it once a month.
✅She cherished her garden by weeding it daily and learning about each plant.
💡'Cherish' in this sense implies devoted, sustained care, not minimal effort.

3. to keep a meaningful memory, hope, or dream alive in your thoughts over many yea

3.動詞及物B1
釋義

to keep a meaningful memory, hope, or dream alive in your thoughts over many years, drawing comfort or motivation from it whenever you reflect on it.

例句

Theo still cherished the memory of his first train ride through the Swiss Alps.

cherish + memory of an experience

Yara cherished the hope that one day she would open her own bakery in Seoul.

cherish + hope + long-term dream

同義詞
  • treasure

    Very close in meaning; 'treasure a memory' emphasises keeping it safe as something valuable

  • hold dear

    More formal; focuses on the emotional importance of what you keep in mind

  • cling to

    Implies unwillingness to let go; can suggest a slightly desperate quality

反義詞
  • forget

    To let a memory or hope slip from your mind

  • give up

    To stop holding on to a hope or dream

文法句型

cherish something

用法筆記

Objects are almost always abstract: memories, hopes, dreams, ideals, beliefs, or thoughts. Often suggests the feeling has been kept alive in the mind for a considerable time. Unlike sense 1, there is no physical protection involved.

常見錯誤

❌I cherish the idea of eating pizza tonight.
✅I cherish the idea of travelling around the world with my best friend.
💡'Cherish' is for meaningful, long-term hopes and dreams, not casual daily plans.
❌She cherished the memory of yesterday's meeting.
✅She cherished the memory of her grandfather teaching her to fish as a child.
💡'Cherish' is reserved for memories that carry deep emotional significance, not routine events.