(used in the salutation of a letter as an expression of affection or respect or as a conventional greeting): Dear Sir.
precious in one's regard; cherished: our dearest possessions.
heartfelt; earnest: one's dearest wish.
high-priced; expensive: The silk dress was too dear.
charging high prices: That shop is too dear for my budget.
excessive; high: a dear price to pay for one's independence.
Obsolete. difficult to get; scarce.
Obsolete. worthy; honorable.
noun
a person who is good, kind, or generous: You're a dear to help me with the work.
a beloved one.
(sometimes initial capital letter)an affectionate or familiar term of address, as to a child or romantic partner (sometimes offensive when used to a stranger, subordinate, etc.)
adverb
dearly; fondly.
at a high price: That painting cost me dear.
interjection
(used as an exclamation of surprise, distress, etc.): Oh dear, what a disappointment! Dear me! What's all that noise?
Origin of dear
1
before 900;Middle Englishdere,Old Englishdēore; cognate with Old High Germantiuri,Old Norsedȳrr
Old English deore "precious, valuable, costly, loved, beloved," from Proto-Germanic *deurjaz (cf. Old Saxon diuri, Old Norse dyrr, Old Frisian diore, Middle Dutch dure, Dutch duur, Old High German tiuri, German teuer), ultimate origin unknown. Used interjectorily since 1690s. As a polite introductory word to letters, it is attested from mid-15c. As a noun, from late 14c., perhaps short for dear one, etc.
