dear

dear · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Regarded with deep affection; cherished.

  2. 2.

    Used in formal letter greetings.

  3. 3.

    (British) Expensive; costing a lot of money.

  4. 4.

    A lovable or endearing person.

  5. 5.

    Used as an affectionate form of address.

  6. 6.

    Used to express surprise, dismay, or sympathy.

Related words

Antonyms: cheap, worthless
See also: beloved, darling, precious
Synonyms: beloved, cherished, darling, precious

Etymology

From Old English deore meaning "precious, valuable, costly, loved," from Proto-Germanic deurijaz. The sense of "expensive" and "beloved" both derive from the original meaning of "highly valued."