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

However, in the White Sox’s 8-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians at Rate Field Friday, Venable did not have one of his finer moments, forgetting a key rule that cost his team dearly. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

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

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