dear
2dear
adjDefinition of DEAR
1
obsolete : noble
2
: highly valued : precious <a dear friend> —often used in a salutation <dear Sir>
3
: affectionate, fond
4
: high or exorbitant in price : expensive <eggs are very dear just now>
5
: heartfelt <our dearest prayers>
— dear·ness noun
Origin of DEAR
Middle English dere, from Old English dēore; akin to Old High German tiuri distinguished, costly
First Known Use: before 12th century
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