/ ˈdɪərɪst; NAmE ˈdɪr-/ adjective , noun
■ adjective ( old-fashioned )
1.
used when writing to sb you love :
'Dearest Nina', the letter began.
2.
[ usually before noun ] that you feel deeply :
It was her dearest wish to have a family.
■ noun
( old-fashioned ) used when speaking to sb you love :
Come (my) dearest, let's go home.
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IDIOMS
see near noun