English Reference
adjective · noun

dearest

adj. · n.
US /ˈdɪɹəst/ UK /dˈiəɹəst/ dear·est

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.loved more than anyone or anything else.

    adj.the superlative form of 'dear', indicating the highest level of affection or importance to the speaker.

    Simple

    He lost his dearest friend in the war and missed him every day.

    In context

    The poet dedicated the entire collection to his dearest companion, whose support had been his only comfort during years of exile.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate LiteraryFormal

    adj.a very loving way to start a letter to a family member or close friend.

    adj.a highly affectionate salutation used in personal correspondence, more intimate than 'Dear'.

    Simple

    She began the letter with 'My dearest Mother' before sharing the news.

    In context

    The archive contains several bundles of letters beginning with 'Dearest', revealing a level of intimacy the couple never displayed in public.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate ArchaicLiterary

    n.a name you call someone you love, like a husband, wife, or child.

    n.a term of endearment used as a vocative or to refer to a beloved person.

    Simple

    Don't worry, my dearest, everything will be fine.

    In context

    In the final scene of the play, he turns to his wife and calls her his 'only dearest' before the curtain falls.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated