held dear

USAGE SUMMARY

"held dear" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is highly valued and cherished. For example: The wedding ring was held dear by the bride's late grandmother.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What can be remembered and held dear?

The New Yorker

But a bad day for sporting memories held dear.

The New York Times - Sports

"The values we held dear yesterday we hold dear today.

Independent

"It was something she held dear to her," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

May this time of sorrow be eased by the warmth shared and memories held dear.

The New York Times

In deference to norms held dear, the like won't be attempted here.

The New York Times - Books

Food was held dear by all members of the court with the exception of Queen Aigle.

The New Yorker

The things he held dear, which he found absent in America, were disappearing in India, too.

The New York Times

The music also recalls the lapidary elegance of the ancient plainchant traditions that Duruflé held dear.

The New York Times - Arts

In short order, he lost almost everything he had held dear.

The New York Times

That way we can live up to what the Athenians created and held dear: true democracy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held dear" to convey a sense of deep personal value or importance, particularly when referring to traditions, memories, or principles.

Common error

While "held dear" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing. Consider more precise synonyms like "highly valued" or "esteemed" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held dear" functions as a past participle verb phrase acting as a postpositive adjective. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is valued or cherished. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "held dear" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is highly valued or cherished. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across a wide range of contexts, most notably in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted for use in slightly more formal settings as well. When writing, remember that alternatives like "highly valued" or "deeply cherished" may be suitable in certain contexts. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "held dear" to express deep personal value and importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply cherished

Emphasizes the emotional connection and fondness.

treasured

Emphasizes its preciousness.

highly valued

Focuses on the worth or importance assigned to something.

greatly valued

Focuses on importance and appreciation.

greatly esteemed

Highlights respect and admiration.

highly prized

Emphasizes rarity and value.

much loved

Highlights strong affection.

regarded with affection

Highlights emotional connection with something.

fondly remembered

Highlights the pleasant memories associated with something.

cherished memory

Focuses on a memorable and beloved moment.

FAQs

How can I use "held dear" in a sentence?

"Held dear" is used to describe something cherished or highly valued. For instance, "The principles he "held dear" guided his decisions."

What are some alternatives to "held dear"?

You can use alternatives like "highly valued", "deeply cherished", or "greatly esteemed" depending on the context.

Is "held dear" formal or informal?

"Held dear" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, though it may be less suitable for highly formal or technical writing.

What is the difference between "held dear" and "held dearly"?

"Held dear" describes something that is valued, while "held dearly" describes the act of holding something with affection. The former focuses on the object's value, and the latter on the manner of holding.