to put much store by

8.1

To think something is very important and trust it a lot

phrasal verb

: dar mucha importancia a

She doesn't put much store by expensive gifts, preferring heartfelt gestures instead.

Examples

Many scientists put much store by data and experimentation when forming conclusions.
I put much store by my family's advice.
He put much store by honesty, always insisting on telling the truth.
She puts much store by her education.
He put much store by honesty, always insisting on telling the truth.
Many scientists put much store by data and experimentation when forming conclusions.
She doesn't put much store by expensive gifts, preferring heartfelt gestures instead.

Synonyms

to believe in

vsto put much store by

∞ 1.7

To trust that a person or thing is good

is about valuing and importance rather than mere faith in existence

to swear by

vsto put much store by

18 4.4

To strongly believe something is very good or useful

emphasizes very strong personal confidence more than neutral valuing

to think the world of

vsto put much store by

Informal

12 5.1

To like and respect someone very much

focuses on admiration more than practical importance or trust

to lay store by

vsto put much store by

Archaic

8.6

To value something and trust it

is similar but focuses equally on value and belief

Antonyms

to disregard

119 3.9

Ignore something or someone on purpose

How Important

to revere

21 6.7

to put much store by

8.1

to prize

54 3.8

Surface Forms

put much store by infinitive

put much store by past

put much store by past participle

putting much store by present participle

puts much store by third person singular

Morphology

put + much + store + by

The phrase 'put much store by' relies on an idiomatic use of 'store' meaning 'value' and on the fixed collocation 'put ... store by', which is not a straightforward composition of the literal meanings of 'put', 'much', 'store' (shop) and 'by'. A B1 learner who only knows the common literal senses would be unlikely to derive 'consider something important' without prior exposure or knowledge of this British idiom, so it is opaque.

Etymology

Put much store by may come from an old use of the word store, meaning a place for goods or a treasure. If you picture putting many goods into a store because they are valuable, it helps you see why the phrase means 'to consider something important'.