held most dear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held most dear" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to express something that is highly valued or cherished by someone. Here is an example: "My family and friends are held most dear to me, and I would do anything to protect and support them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It eventually led them to destroy all the things they said they held most dear".

The New York Times

But it was Long Island, and particularly Huntington, that he held most dear.

The New York Times

In memory, as in life, he will inspire us to the values he held most dear.

The New York Times

In memory, as in life, she will inspire us to the values she held most dear.

The New York Times

Asked to encapsulate the views he held most dear as a leader, Vilem grandly declaims, "The government exists to serve the people; the citizen does not exist to serve the government".

The New York Times

To honor her memory, donations may be made to the fund she held most dear, the fund that honors the legacy of her daughter, The Meryl Schwartz Fund for Special Activities of The Churchill School and Center.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

His words represent the part of Gordon's faith that she holds most dear.

The Washington Post

The assigned questions: What traditions of your own do you hold most dear?

The Washington Post

Clearly the tradition that Wall Street holds most dear is profit.

The New York Times

It is an alien thing that threatens all we hold most dear.

The Guardian

"Civil rights were trampled, and the sociopolitical values we hold most dear were undermined".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held most dear" to convey a sense of deep personal value or importance, particularly when referring to abstract concepts like values, principles, or relationships. For example: "The principles of justice were held most dear by the founding fathers."

Common error

Avoid using "held most dear" in very casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase has a somewhat formal and sentimental tone, so it may sound out of place in everyday speech. Opt for simpler alternatives like "cherished" or "valued" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held most dear" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate something of high value or importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct and has a certain level of formality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

27%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "held most dear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express deep valuation or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is correct and fairly common. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia contexts, this phrase serves to emphasize the cherished nature of values, relationships, or principles. When choosing alternatives, consider the nuance you wish to convey, with options like "deeply cherished" or "highly valued" offering slightly different connotations. While versatile, avoid overuse in informal settings, as its more formal tone may seem out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dearest to me

A personal and affectionate way of expressing value.

highly valued

Focuses on the worth and importance assigned to something.

greatly treasured

Highlights the act of protecting and preserving something of significant value.

most precious

Emphasizes the rarity and irreplaceability of something valued.

deeply cherished

Emphasizes the emotional connection and affection associated with the object of value.

close to one's heart

Indicates a personal and emotional connection to something valued.

near and dear

A more informal expression suggesting affection and closeness.

esteemed above all

Implies a higher level of respect and importance compared to other things.

prized possession

Refers to something tangible that is highly valued.

revered most

Suggests a sense of deep respect and admiration.

FAQs

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

You can use "held most dear" to describe values, memories, or relationships that are highly valued. For instance, "The values he "holds most dear" guide his decisions."

What's a more informal way to say "held most dear"?

For less formal situations, you could say "cherished", "highly valued", or "loved". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "held most dear" different from "hold most dear"?

"Held most dear" implies something that was valued in the past and continues to be so, or is valued by someone else, while "hold most dear" refers to something that you currently value.

Can "held most dear" refer to material possessions?

While it can, "held most dear" is more commonly used to describe abstract concepts like principles, values, or relationships, rather than tangible objects. "Prized possession" is more suited for objects.