Sekirov Dictionary

dear

UK /dɪə/US /dɪɹ/

adjective 11
noun 4
adverb 1
exclamation 1
verb 1
forms 7
phrases 2

adjective11

•
Loved; lovable.
- "Yes, children dear, wait a bit till it turns itself," she answered - she ought to have said "till I turn it"[.] — 1886
•
the usual word to start a letter, often followed by the name of the person it is written to
- Dear Sir/Madam/Miss, please notice our offices will be closed during the following bank holidays:[…].
- Dearest Joseph/son:...
•
Precious to or greatly valued by someone.
- The dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!
•
A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.
- My dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!
•
(UK, Ireland) High in price; expensive.
- The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.
•
An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior or someone one dislikes.
- My dear man, you ought to think twice about who you're trying to blackmail.
•
Lovely; kind.
- "I've never met the kind of man I mean." "Tell me about him. What does he look like?" "Oh, he might look very much like you." "How dear of you to say that!" — 1912
•
Loving, affectionate, heartfelt
- Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.
Severe, or severely affected; sore.
•
(no longer used) Fierce.
- The Christens found the heathens dear, as the lion doth the bear.
(no longer used) Noble.

noun4

A beloved person.
•
An affectionate, familiar term of address, such as used between husband and wife.
- Pass me the salt, would you dear?
•
A very kind, loving person.
- My little cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures.
An elderly person, especially a woman.

adverb1

•
Dearly; at a high price.
- If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear. — 1603

exclamation1

•
Indicating surprise, pity, or disapproval.
- Dear, dear! Whatever were they thinking?

verb1

•
(no longer used) To endear.
- Nor should a Sonne his Sire loue for reward, But for he is his Sire, in nature dear’d. — 1603

forms

deared · dearing · dears · dearer · more dear · dearest · most dear

Phrases with dear

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