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dearly

adverb dear·ly

Definition of dearly

1 :with affection :fondly
2 :heartily, earnestly
  • prayed so dearly for peace
3 :at a high rate or price
  • paid dearly for the error

See dearly defined for English-language learners

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Examples of dearly in a Sentence

  1. I would dearly love to see them again.

  2. He dearly wanted to believe that it was true.

Recent Examples of dearly from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dearly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of dearly

13th century

Phrases Related to DEARLY

Related Phrases

DEARLY Defined for English Language Learners

dearly

adverb

Definition of dearly for English Language Learners

  • : very much

  • : in a way that is difficult or severe

Learn More about dearly

  1. See words that rhyme with dearly Spanish Central: Translation of dearly Nglish: Translation of dearly for Spanish speakers

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Examples: dearly in a Sentence