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

On its most ordinary cars—think of the Rogue, Sentra, or dearly departed Altima—the brake calipers are painted silver. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 22 July 2026

Agamemnon believes he’s being welcomed home by a loving wife who has missed him dearly. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026

Ubiquitous availability of gambling may be a convenience for the majority, paid for dearly by the minority for whom constant access challenges their self-control. — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly. — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dearly

• cost (someone) dearly/dear
• pay dearly

Rhymes for dearly

• clearly
• merely
• nearly
• queerly
• yearly
• austerely
• severely
• sincerely
• cavalierly