26984 words

dears

14 definitions • 22 examples
1
loved or liked very much:

Examples:

She was a very dear friend.
dear to He was very dear to me.
This place is very dear to me - we came here on our honeymoon.
What a dear (= very attractive) little kitten!
my dear My dear Gina - how nice to see you!
2
used at the beginning of a letter to greet the person you are writing to:

Examples:

Dear Kerry/Mum and Dad/Ms Smith/Sir
3
costing too much:

Examples:

The food was good but very dear.
4

Examples:

oh dear Oh dear! I've lost my keys again.
dear me Dear me, it's already 4.30 and I said I'd be home by 5.00!
Dearie me, what a mess!
5
a kind person:

Examples:

Annie's such a dear - she's brought me breakfast in bed every morning this week.
6
used to address someone you love or are being friendly to, not used between men:

Examples:

Here's your receipt, dear.
Would you like a drink, dear?
my dear Lovely to see you, my dear.
7

Examples:

She’s a dear friend.
8
Dear is used at the beginning of a letter to greet the person you are writing to:

Examples:

Dear Kerrie/Mom and Dad/Ms. Smith/Sir
9
Dearest can be used in a letter to greet someone you love:

Examples:

Dearest Ben, I think of you every day.
10

Examples:

Oh dear! I’ve lost my keys again.
11
a person who is loved or greatly liked:

Examples:

Annie’s such a dear.
12
Dear is used to address someone in a friendly way, esp. someone you love or a child:

Examples:

Have something to eat, dear.
13

Examples:

Tourist restaurants are too dear for the locals.
14
to cause someone to have a lot problems or to lose a lot of money:

Examples:

The Government's lack of knowledge about IT systems has undoubtedly cost it dear.

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