To cherish= To treat with affection and tenderness/ hold dear: Examples: People cherish their family or fine rugs are cherished by their owners. To keep fondly in mind; Example: They cherish the memory of their first date. Now compare this to the verb "to love": To love= to have love or affection for: Example: All her pupils love her. to have a profoundly tender, passionate affection for (another person). Example: She loved him like no other man. to have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in: Example: He loves music. to need or require; benefit greatly from:Example: Plants love sunlight. to embrace and kiss someone as a lover. Example:" Let me love you, " said the prince to the princess.