adj., n., adv., & int.
--adj.
1. a beloved or much esteemed. b as a merely polite or ironic form (my dear man).
2 used as a formula of address, esp. at the beginning of letters (Dear Sir).
3 (often foll. by to) precious; much cherished.
4 (usu. in superl.) earnest, deeply felt (my dearest wish).
5 a high-priced relative to its value. b having high prices. c (of money) available as a loan only at a high rate of interest.
--n. (esp. as a form of address) dear person.
--adv. at a high price or great cost (buy cheap and sell dear; will pay dear).
--int. expressing surprise, dismay, pity, etc. (dear me!; oh dear!; dear, dear!).
Phrases and idioms:
Dear John colloq. a letter terminating a personal relationship. for dear life see LIFE.
Derivatives:
dearly adv. (esp. in sense 3 of adj.). dearness n.
Etymology: OE deore f. Gmc