dearness

Variant of dear

dear definition

dear (dir)

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

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

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

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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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