dearness

adjective

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

adverb

1. with deep affection
2. at a high cost

noun

1. a loved person; darling: often a term of affectionate address
2. an endearing person; one who arouses gentle affection, tenderness, or gratitude

interjection