dear meaning and definition

DEAR noun

Definition of dear (noun)

1. a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
   • synonyms: beloved, dearest, honey, love
2. a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)
   • synonyms: lamb

DEAR adjective

Definition of dear (adjective)

1. dearly loved
   • synonyms: beloved, darling
2. with or in a close or intimate relationship
   • "a good friend"; "my sisters and brothers are near and dear"
   • synonyms: good, near
3. earnest
   • "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"
   • synonyms: devout, earnest, heartfelt
4. having a high price
   • "costly jewelry"; "high-priced merchandise"; "much too dear for my pocketbook"; "a pricey restaurant"
   • synonyms: costly, high-priced, pricey, pricy

DEAR adverb

Definition of dear (adverb)

1. with affection
   • "she loved him dearly"; "he treats her affectionately"
   • synonyms: affectionately, dearly
2. at a great cost
   • "he paid dearly for the food"; "this cost him dear"
   • synonyms: dearly