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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. Sincerely 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, spendy [N. Amer, informal]
    
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 [informal], love, darling, sweetheart, sugar [informal], baby [informal], duck [Brit, informal], hon [informal]
    
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 [informal], Lordy [informal], good grief [informal]

Sounds like: dean, dene, Deanr, dee

Derived forms: dears, dearer, dearest

See also: close, expensive, loved, sincere

Type of: inexperienced person, innocent, lover

Encyclopedia: Dear, Matthew