dear

Pluraldears

Formsdears, dearing, deared

1. 1
   much lovedadjective

   Loved very much, or very important to someone, as in 'a dear friend'.

   My dear grandmother always made cookies for us on Sundays.

   We still miss our dear old dog, who died last spring.

   Similarclose, beloved, cherished, treasured, precious

   Note
2. 2
   formal letter startadjective

   A polite word you put before a person's name at the start of a letter or email.

   Dear Ms. Lopez, Thank you for your help last week.

   Dear Grandpa, I hope you are feeling better.

3. 3
   warm addressadjective

   Used when you speak to someone with warm feeling, or sometimes to sound superior to them.

   My dear boy, you look frozen. Come and sit by the fire.

   Come in, dear friend, and sit by the fire.

4. 4
   dismayinterjection

   Said when you are surprised, sad, or unhappy about something.

   Oh dear, I forgot my keys again!

   Oh dear, the poor bird has hurt its wing.

   UsageSay oh dear when something goes a little wrong.

   Similargoodness, gosh

   Note
5. 5
   warm addressnoun

   Someone you love, or a loving name you call someone close to you.

   Good night, dear. Sleep well.

   Would you like more tea, dear?

   UsageSeparate dear from the rest of the sentence with a comma: Yes, dear.

   Similardarling, honey, sweetheart, love, sweetie

6. 6
   expensiveadjectiveIrelandUK

   Costing a lot of money, with a high price.

   Everything in that shop is too dear for me.

   Train tickets get very dear in the summer holidays.

   UsageSay too dear for things that cost too much.

   Similarexpensive, costly, pricey

   Oppositecheap, inexpensive

   Note
7. 7
   adjective

   Sweet, kind, and loving.

   Our dear old neighbor always shares vegetables from her garden.

   He's such a dear man. He carried my bags all the way home.

   UsageHow dear of you! is an old-fashioned way to thank someone for being kind.

   Similarsweet, kind, lovely, lovable, warm

   Note

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