dearly
Britishadverb
-
very much
I would dearly like you to go
-
affectionately
-
at a great cost
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Overall the Lakers committed 21 more turnovers, giving up 26 points off the mistakes while paying dearly for every errant dribble or misfired pass against the swarming Thunder defenders.
From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026
Walters says dealing with cervical cancer has felt like "a full-time job", but one you pay dearly to have.
From BBC • May 1, 2026
There are innumerable people out there who hold “The Devil Wears Prada” as dearly as I do.
From Salon • May 1, 2026
"I believe that's going to cost them dearly."
From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026
And despite their occasional squabbles, it was clear as could be that they loved each other dearly.
From "Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
