cherishes

Cherishes is most commonly encountered as the third-person singular present tense of the verb cherish, meaning to hold dear or to care for someone or something with affection. In ordinary use, cherishes is not typically a noun; when it appears as a noun in literary or poetic contexts, it may denote "things that are cherished" or "objects of affection."

Etymology: The verb cherish derives from Old French cherir, meaning to dear or to treat with tenderness, from Latin carus, "dear."

Usage and interpretation: Cherishing involves valuing, protecting, and maintaining attention toward a person, memory, possession, or idea. Cherished items include keepsakes, heirlooms, letters, photos, or other mementos; intangible cherishes include relationships, traditions, or personal values. The act of cherishing implies continuity and care, often leading to preservation, careful handling, or deliberate remembrance.

Cultural and psychological significance: Across cultures, cherished objects and memories help construct identity and continuity. In psychology, attachment, memory, and self-concept are linked to what a person cherishes; keeping or revisiting cherished items can provide comfort and meaning.

See also: keepsake, heirloom, memento, sentimentality, memory, value.