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dear

adj. · n. · interj.
US //ˈdɪɹ// UK //dˈiə// dear
  1. 1 starting a letter (adj.)
    A1 Beginner Formal

    a polite way to start a letter or email before the person's name.

    a conventional formula of address used at the beginning of letters or formal communications.

    Example

    Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to thank you for your help.

    Example

    Dear Professor Higgins, I would like to formally request an extension on my final thesis submission.

    Usage

    Always placed before the recipient's name or title.
  2. 2 loved or important (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    someone or something that you love or care about very much.

    regarded with deep affection; cherished or highly valued.

    Example

    She lost a very dear friend in the accident last year.

    Example

    The old photograph was dear to him, representing the only surviving image of his childhood home before the war.

    Usage

    Often follows 'to' when describing the relationship, such as 'dear to me'.
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  1. 3 expensive (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    costing a lot of money.

    high in price; expensive. Primarily used in British and Irish English.

    Example

    Everything in that shop is much too dear for my budget.

    Example

    While the quality of the fabric is undeniable, the tailor's services are becoming increasingly dear for the average customer.
  2. 4 kind or loved person (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a kind person, or a name you call someone you love.

    an affectionate or familiar term of address for a person; also used to describe a helpful or kind individual.

    Example

    Could you help me with these bags, there's a dear?

    Example

    The neighbor is such a dear; she always brings over extra vegetables from her garden during the harvest season.
  3. 5 expressing surprise or worry (interj.)
    A2 Elementary

    a word used to show you are surprised, sorry, or a little annoyed.

    an exclamation used to express surprise, distress, sympathy, or preoccupation.

    Example

    Oh dear, I think I've forgotten my keys in the car.

    Example

    Dear me, the weather has certainly taken a turn for the worse since we arrived at the coast.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrases 'Oh dear' or 'Dear me'.
Word family
Idioms1 entry

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