dear

/dɪr/
interjection
  1. Used to express surprise, worry, or sympathy.
    • Oh dear, I forgot my keys!
    • Oh dear, are you feeling okay?
    • Dear me, that's terrible news.
adjective
  1. Loved or valued very much.
    • He held the photograph dear to his heart.
    • My dear grandmother taught me how to bake.
    • She is a dear friend of mine.
  2. Used as a polite way to address someone, especially in letters.
    • Dear Sir or Madam, thank you for your letter.
    • Dear Mom, I hope you are doing well.
    • Dear passengers, please fasten your seat belts.
  3. Expensive; costing a lot of money.
    • Fresh strawberries are dear in winter.
    • The hotel was lovely but a bit dear.
    • That watch is too dear for my budget.
Antonyms
noun
  1. A kind or lovable person.
    • She is such a dear to visit me every week.
    • He's a real dear, always thinking of others.
    • Be a dear and help me carry these bags.
What does "dear" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean