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dear

adjective (1)
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\ ˈdir How to pronounce dear (audio) \

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
5 obsolete : noble

dear

adverb

Definition 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

noun

Definition 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

interjection

Definition of dear (Entry 4 of 5)

—used especially to express annoyance or dismayOh dear!

dear

adjective (2)

Definition of dear (Entry 5 of 5)

: severe, sore in our dear peril— William Shakespeare
Other Words from dear Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about dear

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Other Words from dear

Adjective (1)

dearness noun

Examples of dear in a Sentence

Noun Be a dear and take this for me.

First Known Use of dear

Adjective (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Interjection

1694, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for dear

Adjective (1), Adverb, Noun, and Interjection

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

Adjective (2)

Middle English dere, from Old English dēor — see dear entry 1

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Time Traveler for dear

Time Traveler

The first known use of dear was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Dear.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dear?pronunciation&lang=en_us&file=dear0001. Accessed 13 December 2019.

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More Definitions for dear

dear

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of dear

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: with love and respect

dear

noun

English Language Learners Definition of dear (Entry 2 of 3)

—used to address someone you love
: a kind and helpful person

dear

interjection

English Language Learners Definition of dear (Entry 3 of 3)

—used especially to express surprise, fear, or disappointment

See the full definition for dear in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dear

adjective
\ ˈdir How to pronounce dear (audio) \
dearer; dearest

Kids Definition of dear

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : greatly loved or cared about a dear friend
2 —used as a form of address especially in lettersDear Sir
3 : having a high price Fuel is dear just now.
4 : deeply felt : earnest My dearest wish is to see you.

Other Words from dear

dearly adverb

dear

adverb

Kids Definition of dear (Entry 2 of 3)

: with love We held her dear.

dear

noun

Kids Definition of dear (Entry 3 of 3)

: a loved one : darling

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More from Merriam-Webster on dear

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dear

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with dear

Spanish Central: Translation of dear

Nglish: Translation of dear for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of dear for Arabic Speakers

Comments on dear

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