dear: Meaning and Definition of

dear

Pronunciation: (dēr), [key]
— adj., n., adv., interj. -er, -est,
—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. difficult to get; scarce.
  9. 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.
  1. (used as an exclamation of surprise, distress, etc.): Oh dear, what a disappointment! Dear me! What's all that noise?

dear

Pronunciation: (dēr), [key]
— -er, -est.
  1. hard; grievous.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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