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.
And Trump has disliked what he’s heard about a proposal that senators like Hawley and Tillis say will cost their states dearly. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 26 June 2025 The idea that only land invasions can achieve military objectives belongs to a bygone era—one that has cost the United States dearly in blood and treasure. David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Why are symbols often the most burdensome for the people who hold them most dearly? Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 21 June 2025 But there are dangerous waters churning, and any missteps by Trump could cost him dearly. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 June 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 5 Jul. 2025.

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