What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cherished
Example
She kept her grandmother's cherished necklace in a special box. [cherished: adjective]
Example
The old photo album is filled with cherished memories of family vacations. [cherished: past participle]
precious
Example
He gave her a precious diamond ring as a symbol of his love. [precious: adjective]
Example
Handle the antique vase with care, it's very precious. [precious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Precious is more commonly used than cherished in everyday language. Precious is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while cherished is less common and typically used in more specific situations related to personal attachments or sentimental value.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cherished and precious?
While cherished is associated with a warmer and more personal tone, precious can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Precious is often used to describe valuable or rare items, making it suitable for more formal settings.
