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DEAR
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
A beloved person; used as terms of endearment
Synonyms:
beloved; dear; dearest; honey; love
Classified under:
Hypernyms ("dear" is a kind of...):
lover (a person who loves someone or is loved by someone)
Derivation:
dear (dearly loved)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)
Synonyms:
dear; lamb
Classified under:
Nouns denoting people
Hypernyms ("dear" is a kind of...):
inexperienced person; innocent (a person who lacks knowledge of evil)
II. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
With or in a close or intimate relationship
Example:
my sisters and brothers are near and dear
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Similar:
close (close in relevance or relationship)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Having a high price
Example:
a pricey restaurant
Synonyms:
costly; dear; high-priced; pricey; pricy
Classified under:
Similar:
expensive (high in price or charging high prices)
Derivation:
dearness (the quality possessed by something with a great price or value)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Dearly loved
Synonyms:
beloved; darling; dear
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
loved (held dear)
Derivation:
dear (a beloved person; used as terms of endearment)
Sense 4
Meaning:
Sincerely earnest
Example:
heartfelt condolences
Synonyms:
dear; devout; earnest; heartfelt
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
sincere (open and genuine; not deceitful)
III. (adverb)
Sense 1
Meaning:
At a great cost
Example:
this cost him dear
Synonyms:
dear; dearly
Classified under:
Sense 2
Meaning:
With affection
Example:
he treats her affectionately
Synonyms:
affectionately; dear; dearly
Classified under:
Context examples:
“My dear Mr. Bennet,” said his lady to him one day, “have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?”
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
My dear Theresa, as I told you before, I don't know. I really haven't thought about it.
(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)
It is not for me, my dear Watson, to stand in the way of the official police force.
(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
When my dearest aunt died every one was too much occupied in their own grief to notice poor Justine, who had attended her during her illness with the most anxious affection.
(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)
“My dear sir...” began Enfield, surprised out of himself.
(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
As for hostage, he continued, that's his last talk, I guess, with them he loves so dear.
(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
For dear charity's sake give them to me.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
My dear Tregellis, you are infallible upon a cravat, but you must allow me the right of my own judgment upon vests.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
This is a very important professional new moon for you, dear Pisces.
(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)
"Oh, dear! Oh, dear!" cried Dorothy, clasping her hands together in dismay.
(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)
