Meaning & use
cherish the moment
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Meanings
phraseidiom
To appreciate and enjoy the present time, especially because it is special or will not last.
Grammar: Used as a complete phrase, often in the imperative: Cherish the moment. It can also be used with a subject: They cherished the moment.
Patterns
- cherish the moment
- cherish every moment
- cherish the moment with someone
As they watched the sunset together, they decided to cherish the moment.
Cherish the moment—these years with your children go by so fast.
Even though the project was stressful, she tried to cherish the moment of finishing it.
phraseidiom
To focus on the good parts of a present experience instead of worrying about the future or past.
Grammar: Often used as advice to someone who is anxious or distracted.
Patterns
- cherish the moment
- learn to cherish the moment
Instead of stressing about tomorrow, try to cherish the moment you're in.
He learned to cherish the moment during his recovery.
Common combinations
- cherish every moment
- The grandparents told the newlyweds to cherish every moment of their honeymoon.
- cherish the memory
- She will always cherish the memory of that summer.
- cherish the time
- We should cherish the time we have with friends.
- cherish the moment together
- The family cherished the moment together after years apart.
Synonyms and how they differ
- savor the moment
- Savor emphasizes enjoying the present slowly and fully, often with all the senses; cherish is more about holding it dear emotionally.
- treasure the moment
- Treasure is very close but often suggests keeping the memory as valuable; cherish can focus more on the present feeling.
- appreciate the moment
- Appreciate is broader and can be less emotional; cherish adds a sense of deep affection.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: cherish the moment or seize the moment?
cherish the moment vs seize the moment
Seize the moment means to act quickly and confidently when an opportunity appears; cherish the moment means to enjoy and value the present.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'cherish the moment' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option B correctly uses the phrase to mean appreciating a present experience, and the action 'take a photo together' fits that meaning. Option A contradicts the meaning with 'rushing through,' Option C describes a negative event, and Option D uses 'to complain,' which is not something one cherishes.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “cherish the moment”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.