I. ˈdi(ə)r, -iə adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English dere brave, bold, hard, severe, from Old English dēor; probably akin to Old English dēor beast — more at deer
: severe , sore
our dearest need
his dearest enemies
II. adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English dere, from Old English dēore; akin to Old High German tiuri costly, Old Norse dȳrr
1. obsolete : glorious , worthy , honorable
2. : regarded very affectionately or fondly : highly valued or esteemed : beloved
ran for dear life
his son was very dear to him
the cause of democracy … is so dear to us — M.R.Cohen
— often used formally or affectionately in address
Dear Sir
my dear James
Mother dear
3. : loving , affectionate , fond
for the dear love I bear him
4.
a. obsolete : scarce
b. : high-priced or expensive either absolutely
butter is cheap when it is plentiful and dear when it is scarce — G.B.Shaw
or relatively
that wretched suit would be dear at any price
5. obsolete : valuable , important
6.
a. : close to the heart : present in mind : engaging the attention
my dearest wish is for your happiness
b. : heartfelt , earnest
one whose dearest prayer has been granted — G.B.Shaw
Synonyms: see costly
III. adverb
Etymology: Middle English dere, from Old English dēore, from dēore, adjective
1. : dearly
the effort cost him dear
2. : fondly , affectionately
IV. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English dere, from dere, adjective
1. : a dear one : darling , sweetheart
that kiss I carried from thee dear — Shakespeare
2. : a lovable person
pretty little dears
: an endearing person or being
carry this in for me, like a dear
V. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English deren, from dere, adjective
1. obsolete : to make dear : make high-priced
2.
a. : to address as dear
b. obsolete : endear
VI. interjection
Etymology: dear (IV)
— used typically to express annoyance or dismay