treasure
treasure — noun
1. gold, jewels, and other valuable objects that people hide or keep in a safe plac
gold, jewels, and other valuable objects that people hide or keep in a safe place because they are worth a great deal of money.
The old map showed where the pirates had hidden their treasure somewhere on the island.
collocation: hidden treasure / treasure map
Tunde found a Roman treasure of gold coins and silver jewellery inside a broken clay pot.
The museum displays a treasure of jade and bronze pieces from the Ming dynasty.
After the storm, the Nguyen family discovered a small treasure of old coins beneath the floorboards.
The thieves escaped through the tunnel with a treasure worth millions in stolen diamonds and bars of gold.
- trash
items with no value or worth
文法句型
treasure of [precious items]
[adjective] treasure
用法筆記
Often used as an uncountable mass noun (buried treasure) or a countable noun (a treasure of gold rings). Frequently appears in stories about discovery, piracy, and archaeology.
常見錯誤
2. an object of great beauty, historical importance, or personal meaning that peopl
an object of great beauty, historical importance, or personal meaning that people admire and want to own or protect.
The library keeps ancient handwritten manuscripts as national treasures that must be protected from damp and light.
collocation: national treasure
Noa bought a small painting at a street market that later turned out to be a real treasure worth thousands.
The old cathedral's stained-glass windows are artistic treasures from the early thirteenth century.
Olivia treats her grandmother's hand-sewn quilt as a family treasure, passed down through four generations.
- gem
informal; something especially beautiful or fine within its category
- masterpiece
an artwork or creation of outstanding skill, narrower than treasure
- junk
old or unwanted objects with little value
文法句型
[adjective] treasure
[possessive] treasure
用法筆記
Usually countable. Commonly paired with adjectives like national, cultural, artistic, or family to describe the type of value the object holds.
3. someone so good at their work or so kind that other people feel fortunate to kno
someone so good at their work or so kind that other people feel fortunate to know them.
Our new assistant, Omar, is an absolute treasure — he remembers every detail without anyone telling him twice.
collocation: absolute treasure (informal compliment)
Lukas is a treasure to the whole team because he always finds simple solutions to impossible problems.
The elderly librarian was a real treasure, knowing exactly which book every student needed within seconds.
Ari became a treasure to his elderly neighbours after he started doing their weekly shopping for them.
- nuisance
someone who causes trouble or annoyance
文法句型
be a treasure
[possessive] treasure
用法筆記
Always singular when referring to a person. Common in British English as an informal compliment. The phrase is often used in the workplace or among friends to express sincere gratitude or appreciation.
常見錯誤
4. a warm, caring word used when speaking directly to someone you feel great affect
a warm, caring word used when speaking directly to someone you feel great affection for, especially a young child.
"Come here, my little treasure, and let me give you a big hug," said Aunt Rosa.
used as a term of address in direct speech
"Don't you worry, treasure — Mummy will be home again before you finish your dinner," Constanza said softly.
"Goodnight, treasure," Grandma whispered as she tucked the blanket around little Amihan.
"Sleep well, my treasure — I will see you in the morning," Ari whispered to his sleepy daughter.
- sweetheart
more common and gender-neutral in American and British English
- darling
similar warmth, used across all ages
文法句型
my [little] treasure
used in direct speech
用法筆記
Always singular. Used as a direct term of address, similar to sweetheart, darling, or love. Most common in British English when speaking to children, but can also be used between romantic partners.
treasure — verb
1. to keep something safe and treat it with special care because it has deep person
to keep something safe and treat it with special care because it has deep personal meaning for you or because you think it is extremely valuable.
Sora treasures the handwritten letters from his grandfather, reading them over and over whenever he feels lonely.
treasure + direct object (something personal)
We treasure the quiet evenings we spend together as a family, because they have become so rare.
The photography museum treasures the old glass-plate negatives donated by the Li family.
Arjun treasures his collection of rare stamps, keeping each one in a special folder with acid-free sleeves.
文法句型
treasure + noun phrase
be treasured
treasure [someone/something]
用法筆記
Transitive verb — always takes a direct object. Not used in progressive forms (you cannot say '*I am treasuring it'). The object can be a physical item, a memory, a relationship, or an experience. The older phrasal pattern 'treasure up' (store away carefully) exists but is now very rare.