dearly

adverb

dear·​ly ˈdir-lē 

1

: with affection : fondly

2

: heartily, earnestly

prayed so dearly for peace

3

: at a high rate or price

paid dearly for the error

Examples of dearly in a Sentence

I would dearly love to see them again.

He dearly wanted to believe that it was true.

Recent Examples on the Web

Following the eviction, some Britons expressed concern for the fate of the dogs that the queen cherished so dearly. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 June 2026

Wembanyama, whose turnover late in Game 2 cost the Spurs dearly, didn’t make many mistakes Monday. — Brian Mahoney, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026

Facing one of the toughest schedules in the nation, USC missed Watkins dearly. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

In Britain, politicians are paying dearly for the pervasive sense that life is only getting harder and more expensive. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dearly

• cost (someone) dearly/dear
• pay dearly

Rhymes for dearly

• clearly
• merely
• nearly
• queerly
• yearly
• austerely
• severely
• sincerely
• cavalierly