# cherished

/ˈtʃɛɹɪʃt/ (US) · /tʃˈɛɹɪʃt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cherished
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. highly valued

adjective · CEFR B2

loved very much and kept as something special.

For teachers: highly valued and treated with deep affection or care.

- The old photograph was one of her most cherished possessions.
- The museum's collection includes several cherished artifacts that were donated by local families to preserve the town's history.

Usage: Often used to describe memories, possessions, or traditions.

Teaching tip: While 'expensive' refers to money, 'cherished' refers to emotional value.

## Examples

- She kept the old photo as a cherished memory.
- The grandmother showed her grandchildren her cherished collection of vintage postcards.
- Though the house had seen better days, it remained a cherished sanctuary for the family, holding decades of shared laughter and quiet evenings.

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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.