nearest and dearest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearest and dearest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone's closest friends and family, or as an affectionate term of endearment. For example, you might say "I'm spending the holidays with my nearest and dearest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would you kill your nearest and dearest?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Behold before thee, my child, thy nearest and dearest.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Her nearest and dearest are pictured in the book, too).

The New York Times

Bottom line: Invite your nearest and dearest, regardless.

The New York Times

Gather your nearest and dearest for cake and carpet slippers?

The Guardian - Opinion

Hacking can damage your health, wealth, your nearest and dearest.

The Guardian

It was about not letting your nearest and dearest down.

The Guardian - Sport

To me, Facebook and Twitter are too chilly for sharing tragedies with our nearest and dearest.

The New York Times

A wedding is a milestone for the bride and groom, and their nearest and dearest.

The New York Times

Iris Murdoch's last novel, Jackson's Dilemma, was a puzzle even to her nearest and dearest.

Independent

Paying more attention to your iPhone than to your nearest and dearest?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nearest and dearest" to convey a sense of warmth and intimacy when referring to close family and friends. It's particularly effective in heartfelt or sentimental contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "nearest and dearest" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "family members" or "close associates" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearest and dearest" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a collective term to describe those who are closest to someone. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where the phrase is used to refer to family and close friends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nearest and dearest" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe one's closest family and friends. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey affection and highlight the importance of these relationships. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to informal contexts, and overusing it in formal settings should be avoided. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, with less common usage in academic or formal business contexts. Understanding its nuances can help writers use it effectively to express heartfelt sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

family and close friends

Explicitly includes both family and friends, clarifying the scope of the relationship.

loved ones

A more general term that encompasses anyone held in high regard, not necessarily limited to family or close friends.

closest family members

Focuses specifically on family ties, omitting close friends.

immediate family

Refers strictly to direct relatives, such as parents, siblings, and children.

those held most dear

A more formal and sentimental way of expressing deep affection and value.

dearest companions

Emphasizes companionship and affection, potentially excluding family members not considered close companions.

ones closest to the heart

Emphasizes emotional connection and deep affection, suitable for romantic or deeply personal contexts.

intimate circle

Highlights the exclusivity and closeness of the relationship, suitable for describing a small group of trusted individuals.

most cherished relations

Highlights the value and importance placed on the relationships, often used in formal or sentimental contexts.

inner circle

Suggests a group with special access or influence, implying a level of trust and importance.

FAQs

How can I use "nearest and dearest" in a sentence?

You can use "nearest and dearest" to refer to your closest family and friends, such as, "I'm spending the holidays with my "nearest and dearest"."

What are some alternatives to saying "nearest and dearest"?

Alternatives to "nearest and dearest" include "loved ones", "family and close friends", or "closest family members" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "newest and dearest" instead of "nearest and dearest"?

"Newest and dearest" is not a common or standard phrase like "nearest and dearest". While it might be used creatively, it's less likely to be understood or appropriate in most contexts.

What is the difference between "nearest and dearest" and "inner circle"?

"Nearest and dearest" refers to close family and friends, while "inner circle" implies a group of trusted advisors or confidants, often in a professional or influential setting. The former emphasizes affection, the latter, trust and access.