dear

1. 1. Loved and cherished: my dearest friend.
   2. Greatly valued; precious: lost everything dear to them.
2. Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations: Dear Lee Dawson.
3. 1. High-priced; expensive.
   2. Charging high prices.
4. Earnest; ardent: “This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling” (Izaak Walton).
5. Obsolete. Noble; worthy.
6. Heartfelt: It is my dearest wish.

1. One that is greatly loved.
2. An endearing, lovable, or kind person.

1. With fondness; affectionately.
2. At a high cost: sold their wares dear.

Used as a polite exclamation, chiefly of surprise or distress: oh dear; dear me.

[Middle English dere, from Old English dēore.]