Main Entry:

²dear

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

before 12th century

1obsolete : noble2: highly valued : precious <a dear friend> —often used in a salutation <dear Sir>3: affectionate, fond4: high or exorbitant in price : expensive <eggs are very dear just now>5: heartfelt <our dearest prayers>

— dear·ness noun