dear

1 obsolete :  noble

2 :  highly valued :  precious a dear friend Our friendship is very dear to me. ran for dear life —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

1 :  dearly 3 the effort cost them dear

2 :  dearly 1 so dear I loved the man — William Shakespeare

1 :  a loved one :  sweetheart How was your day, dear?

2 :  a lovable person Be a dear and get me a drink.

—used especially to express annoyance or dismay Oh dear!

1 :  greatly loved or cared about a dear friend

2 —used as a form of address especially in letters Dear Sir

3 :  having a high price Fuel is dear just now.

4 :  deeply felt :  earnest My dearest wish is to see you.

:  with love We held her dear.

:  a loved one :  darling