Holds dear

LOVES

Think of a verb that describes deep affection, often paired with "you" in romantic songs.

"Holds dear" is a straightforward definition clue pointing to a word that means cherishes or values deeply. The answer "LOVES" fits perfectly because it directly conveys strong affection or attachment. There’s no hidden wordplay here—it’s a simple, direct match between the clue’s meaning and the answer. Think of how you’d say someone "loves" their family or a favorite hobby.