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1. Dearly loved
   - beloved, darling
    
2. With or in a close or intimate relationship
   "my sisters and brothers are near and dear"
   - good, near
    
3. Sincerly intended and with strong feeling
   "one's dearest wish"
   - devout, earnest, heartfelt
    
4. Having a high price
   "much too dear for my pocketbook"
   - costly, high-priced, pricey, pricy
    
5. A formal way of addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter or email

1. Someone who is loved (used as term of endearment)
   - beloved, dearest, honey, love, baby, duck [Brit]
    
2. A sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)
   - lamb

1. With affection
   "she loved him dear"
   - dearly, affectionately
    
2. At a great cost
   "this cost him dear"
   - dearly

1. Used to express shock, dismay, disappointment, sympathy, etc.
   "Oh dear; I was so miserable !"; "Oh, dear me, dear me, what shall I do?"
   - oh dear, dear me, dearie me, good grief

Sounds like: deer

Derived forms: dears, dearest, dearer

See also: close, dearly, dearness, expensive, loved, sincere

Type of: inexperienced person, innocent, lover

Encyclopedia: Dear Dear, Dear Son-In-Law Dear, Dear Son-in-Law