dear
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Definition of dear
(Entry 1 of 5)
1 : highly valued : precious a dear friend Our friendship is very dear to me. ran for dear life —often used in a salutationdear Sir
2 : affectionate, fond
3 : high or exorbitant in price : expensive eggs are very dear just now
4 : heartfelt our dearest prayers
dear
adverbDefinition of dear (Entry 2 of 5)
1 : dearly sense 3 the effort cost them dear
2 : dearly sense 1 so dear I loved the man— William Shakespeare
dear
nounDefinition of dear (Entry 3 of 5)
1 : a loved one : sweetheart How was your day, dear?
2 : a lovable person
Be a dear and get me a drink.
dear
interjectionDefinition of dear (Entry 4 of 5)
—used especially to express annoyance or dismayOh dear!
dear
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Time Traveler for dear
The first known use of dear was before the 12th century
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