Dear meaning
Dear is a person who is loved.
An example of dear is a grandmother.
noun
The definition of dear is precious or highly thought of.
An example of dear is a close, beloved friend.
adjective
Dear is defined as the greeting of a letter.
An example of dear is how to begin a letter to a close friend.
interjection
Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations.
Dear Lee Dawson.
adjective
Earnest; ardent.
adjective
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Loved and cherished.
My dearest friend.
adjective
Noble; worthy.
adjective
Greatly valued; precious.
Lost everything dear to them.
adjective
High-priced; expensive.
adjective
Charging high prices.
adjective
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A person who is greatly loved. Often used as a form of address.
noun
An endearing, lovable, or kind person.
What a dear she is!
noun
With fondness; affectionately.
adverb
At a high cost.
Sold their wares dear.
adverb
Used as a polite exclamation, chiefly of surprise or distress.
Oh dear; dear me.
interjection
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Severe; grievous; sore.
Our dearest need.
adjective
Much loved; beloved.
adjective
Much valued; highly thought of; esteemed.
Dear Sir.
adjective
High-priced; costly.
adjective
Earnest; fervent.
Our dearest wish.
adjective
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With deep affection.
adverb
At a high cost.
adverb
A loved person; darling.
noun
An endearing person; one who arouses gentle affection, tenderness, or gratitude.
noun
Used to express distress, surprise, pity, etc., usually in phrases.
Oh, dear! dear me! dear God!
interjection
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Loving, affectionate, heartfelt.
Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.
adjective
A formal way to start (possibly after my) addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter, memo etc.
Dear Sir/Madam/Miss, please notice our offices will be closed during the following bank holidays: […] .
adjective
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A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.
My dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!
adjective
An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior.
My dear boy, if your grades don't pick up I won't bounce you on but over my knee!
adjective
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Heartfelt.
It is my dearest wish.
adjective
Origin of dear
From Middle English dere, from Old English dēore. Cognate with Dutch duur (“costly, precious”), German teuer (“costly, precious”), Icelandic dýr (“expensive”), Norwegian dyr, Swedish dyr (“expensive”).