adv dearly; at a high price.
2. dear ·noun a dear one; lover; sweetheart.
3. dear ·vt to endear.
4. dear ·superl of agreeable things and interests.
5. dear ·superl of disagreeable things and antipathies.
6. dear ·superl highly valued; greatly beloved; cherished; precious.
7. dear ·superl bearing a high price; high-priced; costly; expensive.
8. dear ·superl marked by scarcity or dearth, and exorbitance of price; as, a dear year.
9. dear ·superl hence, close to the heart; heartfelt; present in mind; engaging the attention.