dear

The definition of dear is precious or highly thought of.

(adjective)

An example of dear is a close, beloved friend.

Dear is defined as the greeting of a letter.

(interjection)

An example of dear is how to begin a letter to a close friend.

Dear is a person who is loved.

(noun)

An example of dear is a grandmother.

See dear in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

much loved; beloved
much valued; highly thought of; esteemed: used with a title or name as a polite form of address, as in writing letters: Dear Sir
high-priced; costly
earnest; fervent: our dearest wish

Origin: ME dere < OE deore, precious, costly, beloved, akin to Du duur, Ger teuer

adverb

noun

interjection

used to express distress, surprise, pity, etc., usually in phrases: oh, dear!dear me! dear God!

Related Forms:

See dear in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective dear·er, dear·est

a. Loved and cherished: my dearest friend.
b. Greatly valued; precious: lost everything dear to them.
Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations: Dear Lee Dawson.
a. High-priced; expensive.
b. Charging high prices.
Earnest; ardent: “This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling” (Izaak Walton).
Obsolete Noble; worthy.
Heartfelt: It is my dearest wish.