# nearest and dearest

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/nearest-and-dearest
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

One's closest and most intimate family members, friends, etc.

## Examples

- I invited my nearest and dearest to the party.
- She spent the holidays surrounded by her nearest and dearest at her family home.
- In his final moments, he felt comforted knowing that his nearest and dearest were gathered by his side.

## Origin

Attested since the 16th century, the expression appears to have established its adjectival form before the noun sense was recorded. The construction relies on the doubling of superlatives to denote close familial or emotional ties.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.