treasure dearly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "treasure dearly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong affection or high value placed on someone or something. Example: "I treasure dearly the moments we spent together during our childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Reference

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We'll always remember your warmth, talent and friendship which we treasured dearly.

The New York Times

Jack and Jenny are your gifts to us and we treasure them dearly.

The New York Times

The notoriety of any crime should never be elevated by abandoning the principles of justice that we, as civilized citizens, should always treasure as dearly as life itself.

The New York Times

You should treasure it as dearly as life".

The New York Times

We can honor that sacrifice and ensure that "these dead shall not have died in vain" by acknowledging the legacy of emancipation and freedom that they helped to bring about — and, in doing so, continue their work of more fully embracing the founding ideals that we as Americans so dearly treasure.

The New York Times

She was dearly treasured and will be greatly missed.

The New York Times

The memory of a British soldier showing two coolies how to play shove-halfpenny was also dearly treasured.

The Guardian

Betty was a treasure who will be dearly missed and remembered by the many people whose lives she graced.

The New York Times

He loves his daughter dearly and treasures hearing her stories about school and adventures with friends.

Huffington Post

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France called Baker "an absolute treasure who will be missed dearly".

Huffington Post

He was a dearly loved figure, treasured for his generosity and quiet, gentlemanly charm, and for his unique contribution to the making of the town.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "treasure dearly" when you want to emphasize emotional intimacy and sentimental value. It is particularly effective in personal tributes, obituaries and reflections on long-standing relationships.

Common error

Do not use "treasure dearly" when discussing purely financial assets or technical data unless you are intentionally personifying them. For example, saying you "treasure a bank statement dearly" sounds unnatural compared to saying you "treasure a handwritten letter dearly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "treasure dearly" functions as a transitive verb phrase modified by an intensifier. In Ludwig, it is frequently seen in the passive voice ("is dearly treasured") or as a direct action. The adverb "dearly" provides emotional depth to the verb "treasure", which already implies high valuation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Reference

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

5%

Academic

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "treasure dearly" is a highly effective and grammatically correct expression used to signal deep emotional value. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it is a favorite in high-end journalism and personal tributes, often appearing in the pages of The New York Times and The Guardian. While it is synonymous with alternatives like "cherish deeply" or "hold dear", the addition of the adverb "dearly" specifically highlights the tenderness and personal connection of the speaker. Writers should use it to convey sincerity and warmth in both formal and semi-formal contexts, though it may be too sentimental for strictly technical or cold business reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cherish deeply

Emphasizes the nurturing and protective aspect of the affection

hold dear

A more common and slightly less formal idiomatic expression

value greatly

Focuses more on the importance or utility of the subject rather than just emotion

prize highly

Suggests the subject is viewed as a reward or a rare achievement

hold in high regard

Standard professional phrasing for showing respect or admiration

esteem highly

More formal and often used in professional or social respect contexts

love intensely

Shifts the focus from the value of the object to the emotion of the subject

venerate profoundly

Implies a level of respect that borders on sacred or spiritual devotion

set great store by

An older idiom focusing on the reliance or importance placed on something

guard with one's life

A hyperbolic expression emphasizing the protective nature of the value

FAQs

How do I use "treasure dearly" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe memories or relationships, such as: "I "treasure dearly" the time we spent together last summer."

What is a more formal way to say "treasure dearly"?

In formal or academic writing, you might prefer to use "hold in high regard" or "value greatly".

Can I say "dearly treasure" instead?

Yes, both versions are acceptable. Placing the adverb first, as in "dearly treasure", often adds a slight poetic or literary emphasis to the sentiment.

What is the difference between "treasure" and "treasure dearly"?

While both indicate high value, adding "dearly" increases the emotional weight and suggests a personal, affectionate bond that goes beyond simple appreciation. It is similar to saying you "cherish deeply" something.