Dictionary
dear
Pronunciation: (dēr), [key]
—adj., -er, -est,
—n., adv., interj.
—
adj.
1. beloved or loved:
a dear friend.
2. (used in the salutation of a letter as an expression of affection or respect or as a conventional greeting):
Dear Sir.
3. precious in one's regard; cherished:
our dearest possessions.
4. heartfelt; earnest:
one's dearest wish.
5. high-priced; expensive:
The silk dress was too dear.
6. charging high prices:
That shop is too dear for my budget.
7. excessive; high:
a dear price to pay for one's independence.
8. Obs.difficult to get; scarce.
9. Obs.worthy; honorable.
—
n.
1. a person who is good, kind, or generous:
You're a dear to help me with the work.
2. a beloved one.
3. (sometimes cap.) an affectionate or familiar term of address.
—
adv.
1. dearly; fondly.
2. at a high price:
That painting cost me dear.
—
interj.
(used as an exclamation of surprise, distress, etc.):
Oh dear, what a disappointment! Dear me! What's all that noise? dear
Pronunciation: (dēr), [key]—
adj., -er, -est.
Archaic.
hard; grievous.
Also,dere.Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
