Meaning of dear in English | Powered by Free Dictionary API

noun

• A very kind, loving person.

  Example: My cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures.

• A beloved person.

• An affectionate, familiar term of address, such as used between husband and wife.

  Example: Pass me the salt, would you dear?

verb

• To endear.

adjective

• High in price; expensive.

  Example: The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.

• Loved; lovable.

• Loving, affectionate, heartfelt

  Example: Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.

• Precious to or greatly valued by someone.

  Example: The dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!

• A formal way to start (possibly after my) addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter, memo etc.

  Example: Dear Sir/Madam/Miss, please notice our offices will be closed during the following bank holidays: [...].

• A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.

  Example: My dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!

• An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior.

  Example: My dear boy, if your grades don't pick up I won't bounce you on but over my knee!

• Noble.

adverb

• Dearly; at a high price

adjective

• Severe, or severely affected; sore.

• Fierce.

  Example: The Christens found the heathens dear, as the lion doth the bear.