sentimental value

[sen-tuh-MEN-tuhl VAL-yoo]
noun
valor sentimental
1. The worth or importance of something based on emotional attachment or personal memories rather than monetary value
This old watch has sentimental value because it belonged to my grandfather.
Este relógio antigo tem valor sentimental porque pertenceu ao meu avô.
2. The emotional significance or nostalgic meaning attributed to an object
The broken necklace holds great sentimental value for her despite being worthless.
O colar quebrado tem grande valor sentimental para ela, apesar de não valer nada.
In Brazilian culture, sentimental value is deeply respected, particularly regarding family heirlooms and items connected to ancestors. Portuguese and Brazilian families often preserve objects with sentimental value across generations. In American culture, this concept is also significant but may be more often discussed in contexts of estate sales, downsizing, or therapeutic decisions about what to keep.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
emotional valuenostalgic valuepersonal significanceaffective worth
Antonyms / Antônimos
monetary valuemarket valuefinancial worth

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
valor sentimental
Most common and standard usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
valor afetivo / valor sentimental
Both terms used interchangeably in colloquial speech
São Paulo
valor sentimental
Standard usage, sometimes with emphasis on emotional attachment (apego emocional)
Portugal
valor sentimental / significado emocional
Portuguese Portuguese may emphasize 'significado emocional' or 'importância afetiva'

Related Words

nostalgiaattachmentsentimentalkeepsakememorabiliaheirloom

Related Idioms & Phrases

worth its weight in gold - used metaphorically for items with high sentimental value
priceless treasure - describes something valued for sentiment rather than money
keeper - something worth keeping for sentimental reasons
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