hold dearly

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold dearly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that you have strong affection for something or someone. For example, you can say, "I hold my family dearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

HuffPost

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

There will be those people who hold dearly prejudicial views but these voices will be qualified by other acts and voices," he said.

Independent

I take it as a sign of recognition for the total commitment I have always had towards values I hold dearly – the desire to play dynamic, attacking football with a certain idea of how to go about it, too.

The Guardian - Sport

We -- and I mean those of us with the luxury of experiencing horror at second hand, through the mediation of film and television -- hold dearly to certain beliefs about the world: that one person can make a difference, that good can answer evil, that a will produces a way.

The New York Times

The 5 times I saw him live are memories I hold dearly and inspiration that will never run out.

Vice

For the parents of other sick children, who hold dearly to the expectation that five years after diagnosis, 80% will recover, Adam's death came as a sudden punch.

Los Angeles Times

Secondly, we need to awaken our mentor, be it Zarathustra, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Jesus, Muhammad, Tao, Confucius, Nanak, Bahaullah, Gandhi, MLK or whomever we hold dearly.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

If successful, the lawsuit would upset a principle held dearly by New Jersey's municipalities, that of home rule.

The New York Times

He is held dearly in the memory of his family and friends for his humor, grace, intelligence and selfless involvement in the life of others.

The New York Times

This should help fortify a position Parcells holds dearly, considering how valuable Mark Bavaro was during his tenure with the Giants and Ben Coates's role while Parcells was in New England.

The New York Times - Sports

While Smith's attitude to objects is devotional rather than acquisitive ("All doors are open to the believer," she writes, of sitting at a stone table that was once host to Goethe and Schiller), she holds dearly to the things she has.

The New Yorker

The scientific community of this country, I also know, holds dearly to the principle of freedom of scientific enquiry, unencumbered by undue political interference in and direction of science.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold dearly" to express a deep personal connection to values, memories, or relationships. For example, "I hold the lessons my grandmother taught me dearly."

Common error

While "hold dearly" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Consider stronger, more precise vocabulary depending on the specific context like "value highly" or "cherish deeply".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold dearly" functions as a verb phrase, modifying the verb "hold" to intensify the meaning of cherishing or valuing something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

HuffPost

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold dearly" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing a strong emotional connection or high regard, according to Ludwig AI. While not exceptionally common, it appears consistently in reputable sources like The New York Times and HuffPost, lending credibility to its usage. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, intensifying the verb "hold". Consider alternatives like "cherish deeply" or "value highly" depending on the context to further refine your writing. Use this phrase to convey affection to values, relationships or memories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cherish deeply

Emphasizes the emotional value and affection attached to something.

care deeply about

Focuses on emotional concern and investment.

treasure greatly

Indicates a strong feeling of appreciation and protection for something.

prize greatly

Suggests something is considered valuable and important.

value highly

Highlights the importance and worth placed on something.

regard highly

Similar to value highly but implies a more considered judgment.

esteem greatly

Focuses on respect and high regard.

have great affection for

Specifically points to a feeling of love and care.

hold in high regard

A more formal way to express respect and admiration.

think highly of

Indicates a positive opinion and respect for something or someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold dearly" to describe a strong emotional connection to something. For example, "She "holds dearly" the memories of her childhood".

What does "hold dearly" mean?

To "hold dearly" means to cherish and value something or someone very much, often implying a deep emotional connection.

What's the difference between "hold dearly" and "value greatly"?

While both phrases indicate high regard, "hold dearly" suggests a more personal and emotional attachment, whereas "value greatly" focuses more on the inherent worth or importance. You can use alternatives like "value greatly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "hold dearly" or "hold dear"?

Both "hold dearly" and "hold dear" are correct. "Hold dearly" intensifies the feeling of cherishing something.