Definitions for deardɪər

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

dear^*dɪər(adj.; n.; adv.; interj.)-er, -est

(adj.)beloved; loved.
(used in the salutation of a letter as an expression of affection or respect or as a conventional greeting):
Dear Sir or Madam.
cherished:
our dearest possessions.
heartfelt:
no dearer wish.
expensive.
Obs. worthy.
(n.)a kind or generous person.
a beloved one.
(sometimes cap.) an affectionate or familiar term of address (sometimes offensive when used to a stranger, subordinate, etc.)
Category: Sexuality
(adv.)dearly; fondly.
at a high price:
I paid dear for that painting.
(interj.)(used as an exclamation of surprise, distress, etc.).

^* Usage: Definition 12 is an affectionate term of address used to a child, sweetheart, etc. However, when used in the workplace or in social interactions with strangers, it is sometimes perceived as insulting.

Origin of dear:

bef. 900; ME dere, OE dēore

dear′ness(n.)

dear^*dɪər(adj.)-er, -est.

hard; grievous.

^* Archaic..

Origin of dear:

bef. 1000; ME dere, OE dēor brave, bold, severe

Princeton's WordNet

beloved, dear, dearest, honey, love(noun)
a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
lamb, dear(adj)
a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)
beloved, darling, dear(adj)
dearly loved
dear, good, near(adj)
with or in a close or intimate relationship
"a good friend"; "my sisters and brothers are near and dear"
dear, devout, earnest, heartfelt(adj)
earnest
"one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"
costly, dear(p), high-priced, pricey, pricy(adverb)
having a high price
"costly jewelry"; "high-priced merchandise"; "much too dear for my pocketbook"; "a pricey restaurant"
dearly, affectionately, dear(adverb)
with affection
"she loved him dearly"; "he treats her affectionately"
dearly, dear(adverb)
at a great cost
"he paid dearly for the food"; "this cost him dear"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

dear(adjective)ɪər
used to begin a letter
Dear Ms. Williams,; Dear Mom and Dad,
dearɪər
much loved
a dear friend
dear(noun)ɪər
used to address sb you like or love
Yes dear, I promise.
dear(interjection)ɪər
indicates worry or annoyance
Oh dear! I dropped it again.

Webster Dictionary

Dear(u)
bearing a high price; high-priced; costly; expensive
Dear(u)
marked by scarcity or dearth, and exorbitance of price; as, a dear year
Dear(u)
highly valued; greatly beloved; cherished; precious
Dear(u)
hence, close to the heart; heartfelt; present in mind; engaging the attention
Dear(u)
of agreeable things and interests
Dear(u)
of disagreeable things and antipathies
Dear(noun)
a dear one; lover; sweetheart
Dear(adverb)
dearly; at a high price
Dear(verb)
to endear