dearly

adverb

dear·​ly ˈdir-lē How to pronounce dearly (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During August, family members of the deceased would leave offerings of tools, food, and water on graves and elaborate altars to aid their dearly departed along their unearthly travels. Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 8 Oct. 2025 Donny and Betty Jo could stay close to each other as brother- and sister-in-law, and Dale loved his daughter dearly. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025 Candy’s absence was dearly felt. Simon Bland, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2025 The Fins’ defense dearly needed those three Jets turnovers and fumble recoveries by Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jaelan Phillips and one Dante Trader to eke out the win. Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dearly

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dearly was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dearly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dearly. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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