dear
About 36.61 uses per million words.
Meaning
- adjective High in price; expensive.
The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.
- adjective Loved; lovable.
- adjective Lovely; kind.
- adjective Loving, affectionate, heartfelt
Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.
- adjective Precious to or greatly valued by someone.
The dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!
- 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 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 or someone one dislikes.
My dear man, you ought to think twice about who you're trying to blackmail.
Similar words
pricey pricy costly high-priced expensive heartfelt affectionately earnest beloved loved
Often followed by
sir to friend old mother little friends and father
Word family
dearer dearest dearness dearnesses dears
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