hold dear

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold dear" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It can be used to express fondness for a person, thing, or idea, or to express how important or dear something is to you. Example sentence: I always hold my family dear.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That's what I hold dear".

The New York Times - Sports

Everything you hold dear is at risk, everything is vulnerable.

The New York Times

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

Independent

Next swarm the worries about those I hold dear.

The New York Times

They signal class and regional origins that people hold dear.

The Economist

But he betrays everything he affects to hold dear?

The Guardian - Film

So much that we hold dear lies shattered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Make no mistake: the British values we all hold dear are under direct threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is a violation of everything these people hold dear," Mr. Lowenthal said.

The New York Times

Nothing in this world that is more of an affront to what I hold dear.

The New Yorker

"Crystal Palace were my first club and one I hold dear to my heart.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold dear" to express a deep sense of value or affection for something that is personally important. For instance, "I hold dear the memories of my childhood."

Common error

Avoid using "hold dear" for fleeting interests or unimportant items. The phrase implies a significant emotional or ethical connection, so reserve it for things of genuine importance. It would sound unnatural to say, "I hold dear my new phone case."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold dear" functions as a verb phrase that signifies a strong emotional attachment, valuing, or cherishing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a common and usable expression. Examples show it applied to values, memories, and relationships, emphasizing their importance to the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold dear" is a versatile verb phrase used to express deep affection, value, or respect for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and widely used expression, particularly in news and media contexts. While it can be used in both formal and informal situations, it often adds a sentimental or thoughtful tone to writing. Remember to use it to describe something truly meaningful to avoid misapplication. Alternatives like "cherish", "value greatly", and "treasure" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cherish

A more formal and often stronger expression of valuing something.

value greatly

Emphasizes the importance or worth assigned to something.

treasure

Suggests a sense of deep affection and care.

hold in high regard

Implies respect and admiration, often used in formal settings.

deeply appreciate

Focuses on gratitude and recognition of worth.

prize

Indicates something is considered valuable and important.

esteem

A formal term for respecting and valuing someone or something.

think highly of

Suggests a positive opinion and appreciation.

have a soft spot for

Implies a particular fondness or affection.

care deeply about

Emphasizes emotional investment and concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold dear" to express a strong feeling of affection, respect, or value for something. For example, "She will always "hold dear" the memories of her grandmother" or "These are the values we "hold dear" as a nation".

What phrases are similar to "hold dear"?

Alternatives to "hold dear" include "cherish", "value greatly", "treasure", or "deeply appreciate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "hold dear" in formal or informal situations?

"Hold dear" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to be more common in writing or speeches where a more thoughtful or sentimental tone is desired. In casual conversation, phrases like "really care about" might be more common.

What's the difference between "hold dear" and "like very much"?

"Hold dear" implies a deeper level of emotional connection and significance than "like very much". You might like a song very much, but you would "hold dear" the values instilled in you by your parents.