dear: Meaning and Definition of

dear

1. beloved or loved: a dear friend.
2. (used in the salutation of a letter as an expression of affection or respect or as a conventional greeting): Dear Sir.
3. precious in one's regard; cherished: our dearest possessions.
4. heartfelt; earnest: one's dearest wish.
5. high-priced; expensive: The silk dress was too dear.
6. charging high prices: That shop is too dear for my budget.
7. excessive; high: a dear price to pay for one's independence.
8. difficult to get; scarce.
9. worthy; honorable.

1. a person who is good, kind, or generous: You're a dear to help me with the work.
2. a beloved one.
3. (sometimes cap.) an affectionate or familiar term of address.

1. dearly; fondly.
2. at a high price: That painting cost me dear.

1. (used as an exclamation of surprise, distress, etc.): Oh dear, what a disappointment! Dear me! What's all that noise?

dear

1. hard; grievous.