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

Davey Winder Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative is a big investment, but one that is proving to be dearly needed. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024

As expected, the American basketball stars had to pull off the victory in an arena that dearly hoped Team France would win their first Olympic gold in basketball on home soil. —Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 2024

Credit Winters as Earl and Curtis-Hall for making such warm impressions that when their respective characters depart, each is dearly missed. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 8 Aug. 2024

His sisters and other family members recalled him as a brother who had a penchant for debating them but loved them dearly. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dearly

• cost (someone) dearly/dear
• pay dearly