student asking question

What does "dear" mean here? And is this general expression??

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Oh, dear" is a polite expression used when people are distressed, surprised, or want to show sympathy to someone. It is more polite than similar expressions like, "oh, God," or "dear God." Ex: A: I'm going to be late for work! B: Oh, dear! (expression of sympathy) Ex: Oh dear, I think I broke my phone. (expression of surprise or distress)

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