loved or valued very much, highly priced, used at the beginning of a letter to address the recipient

dear me, for dear life, cost somebody dear

Formal and Informal Expressions of dear

In different contexts, you can replace 'dear' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'beloved, treasured' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'special, awesome' is a commonplace synonym.

dear: Explore its Definition & Usage

dear Definition

1loved or valued very much
2highly priced
3used at the beginning of a letter to address the recipient

Using dear: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dear" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
My dear friend, I hope this letter finds you well.
Example
The ring was very dear to her heart.
Example
The price of the car was too dear for me to afford.
Example
She is a dear colleague who always helps me.

dear Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dear

Antonyms for dear

Phrases with dear

dear me
an expression used to show surprise, shock, or annoyance
Example
Dear me, I forgot my keys again!
for dear life
with all one's strength or might, often in a situation of danger
Example
She held onto the rope for dear life as she climbed up the mountain.
cost somebody dear
to cause someone to suffer a great deal, especially financially
Example
The mistake cost the company dear, resulting in a huge loss of revenue.

Origins of dear

from Old English 'dēore', meaning 'precious, valuable, costly, loved, beloved'

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Summary: dear in Brief

The term 'dear' [dɪər] can mean something that is loved or valued very much, such as 'The ring was very dear to her heart,' or something that is highly priced, like 'The price of the car was too dear for me to afford.' It is also used at the beginning of a letter to address the recipient, as in 'My dear friend.' Phrases include 'dear me,' used to show surprise or annoyance, and 'for dear life,' meaning with all one's strength, often in a dangerous situation.