Dear

Pronunciation

• GenAm IPA: /dɪɹ/
• RP IPA: /dɪə/
• Scotland IPA: /diːr/
• Rhymes: -ɪə(r)
• Homophones: deer, Deere

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").

Full definition of dear

Adjective

1. Loved; lovable.
2. Loving, affectionate, heartfelt
   Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.
3. Precious to or greatly valued by someone.
   The dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!
4. High in price; expensive.
   The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed?
5. 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:....
6. A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.
• 1918, W. B. Maxwell, The Mirror and the Lamp Chapter 7, “A very welcome, kind, useful present, that means to the parish. By the way, Hopkins, let this go no further. We don't want the tale running round that a rich person has arrived. Churchill, my dear fellow, we have such greedy sharks, and wolves in lamb's clothing. …”
7. My dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!
8. 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!
9. (obsolete) Noble.

Derived terms

• dearly
• dear me
• dearness

Noun

1. A very kind, loving person.My cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures.
2. A beloved person

Synonyms

• (kind loving person) darling

Derived terms

• oh dear
• the dear knows

Verb

1. (obsolete) To endear.

Adverb

1. (obsolete) dearly; at a high price
• ShakespeareIf thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear.

Middle English dere, from Old English dēor. Cognate with the above

Adjective

1. Severe(ly affected), sore

Anagrams

• DARE, dare, 'eard, rade, Read, read