A prized possession
Meaning
Something that is highly valued and deeply cherished by its owner, often for sentimental reasons.
Origin
The phrase 'a prized possession' is a beautiful blend of ancient ideas about value and ownership. 'Prize' itself, as a verb, stems from the Old French 'prisier,' meaning 'to praise' or 'to set a price on,' which in turn has roots in the Latin 'pretium' for 'price' or 'worth.' So, when we call something 'prized,' we're literally stating that it's been deemed worthy of high esteem, valued above others. Coupled with 'possession,' which simply denotes something owned, the phrase naturally emerged to describe an object not just held, but held dear. It's not an idiom born from a specific historical event or quirky anecdote, but rather a transparent and powerful descriptor that evolved organically to articulate the deep, personal bond and emotional significance an owner attaches to a particularly cherished item, elevating it far beyond mere material worth.
Examples
- His grandfather's antique watch, passed down through generations, was truly a prized possession.
- For the artist, her first completed sculpture remained a prized possession, symbolizing her dedication and breakthrough.