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dear

adjective (1)
\ ˈdir How to pronounce dear (audio) \

Definition of dear

 (Entry 1 of 5)

1 : highly valued : precious a dear friend Our friendship is very dear to me. ran for dear life —often used in a salutation dear Sir
2 : affectionate, fond
3 : high or exorbitant in price : expensive eggs are very dear just now
4 : heartfelt our dearest prayers
5 obsolete : noble

dear

adverb

Definition of dear (Entry 2 of 5)

1 : dearly sense 3 the effort cost them dear
2 : dearly sense 1 so dear I loved the man— William Shakespeare

dear

noun

Definition of dear (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : a loved one : sweetheart How was your day, dear?
2 : a lovable person Be a dear and get me a drink.

dear

interjection

Definition of dear (Entry 4 of 5)

—used especially to express annoyance or dismay Oh dear!

dear

adjective (2)

Definition of dear (Entry 5 of 5)

: severe, sore in our dear peril— William Shakespeare
Other Words from dear Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about dear

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Other Words from dear

Adjective (1)

dearness noun

Examples of dear in a Sentence

Noun

 Be a dear and take this for me.

First Known Use of dear

Adjective (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Interjection

1694, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for dear

Adjective (1), Adverb, Noun, and Interjection

Middle English dere, from Old English dēore; akin to Old High German tiuri distinguished, costly

Adjective (2)

Middle English dere, from Old English dēor — see dear entry 1

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More Definitions for dear

dear

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of dear

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: with love and respect

dear

noun

English Language Learners Definition of dear (Entry 2 of 3)

—used to address someone you love
: a kind and helpful person

dear

interjection

English Language Learners Definition of dear (Entry 3 of 3)

—used especially to express surprise, fear, or disappointment

See the full definition for dear in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dear

adjective
\ ˈdir How to pronounce dear (audio) \
dearer; dearest

Kids Definition of dear

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : greatly loved or cared about a dear friend
2 —used as a form of address especially in letters Dear Sir
3 : having a high price Fuel is dear just now.
4

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