cherished friend

USAGE SUMMARY

'cherished friend' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who you hold in high regard and have strong feelings of love and affection for. For example, "My best friend since elementary school has always been my cherished friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Devoted aunt, cherished friend.

The New York Times

Favorite uncle, cherished friend and cousin.

The New York Times

Devoted aunt and greataunt; cherished friend.

The New York Times

Dear sister of Phyllis and cherished friend.

The New York Times

Over time my patient had become a deeply cherished friend.

The New York Times

Exemplary public servant, esteemed colleague, trusted advisor, cherished friend.

The New York Times

We will sorely miss our most cherished friend.

The New York Times

For the term of endearment I suggested, "Beloved husband, devoted son, cherished friend".

The New York Times

Cherished friend.

The New York Times

Cherished friend forever with us.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cherished friend--you will be missed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cherished friend" in formal writing, ensure the context aligns with the emotional weight of the phrase. It's suitable for commemorative pieces or expressions of deep gratitude.

Common error

Avoid using "cherished friend" in everyday conversation or informal writing where a simpler term like "good friend" or "close friend" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can dilute its emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cherished friend" functions as an appositive, elaborating on the noun it modifies. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in obituaries and commemorative notices, emphasizing the emotional connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cherished friend" is a powerful way to express deep affection and appreciation for someone special in your life. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in memorial contexts and heartfelt tributes. While versatile, it’s best reserved for situations where the emotional weight aligns with the depth of the sentiment. Remember to use "cherished friend" judiciously, opting for simpler terms in casual settings to preserve its significance. Consider alternatives like "treasured companion" or "dearest confidant" to vary your expression while maintaining a similar emotional resonance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

treasured companion

Replaces "friend" with a word emphasizing companionship and shared experiences.

dearest confidant

Focuses on the trust and intimacy shared in the friendship.

beloved pal

An informal and affectionate alternative, suitable for close friends.

valued comrade

Highlights the mutual support and shared endeavors within the friendship.

esteemed colleague and friend

Suitable in formal settings, highlighting professional respect and personal fondness.

close ally

Emphasizes the support and loyalty within the friendship, especially in challenging situations.

intimate acquaintance

Highlights long time association and personal bond.

longtime associate and confidant

Suitable in business settings, highlights a long association

favorite comrade

Suitable in casual settings, highlights fondness

special acquaintance

Highlights the special importance of the acquaintance for the speaker

FAQs

How can I use "cherished friend" in a sentence?

"Cherished friend" is often used to describe someone deeply valued. For example, "She was not just a colleague, but a "cherished friend" who always offered support and guidance."

What's the difference between "cherished friend" and "close friend"?

"Cherished friend" implies a deeper emotional connection and higher value placed on the relationship than "close friend". While both denote a strong bond, "cherished friend" suggests a unique and irreplaceable role in one's life.

What can I say instead of "cherished friend"?

You can use alternatives like "treasured friend", "dearest confidant", or "beloved pal" depending on the context and the level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "cherished friend" in a professional setting?

While generally used in personal contexts, "cherished friend" can be appropriate in professional settings if the relationship extends beyond professional boundaries and warrants such heartfelt expression, such as in a retirement speech or a memorial tribute.