The meaning of DEAR is highly valued : precious —often used in a salutation. How to use dear in a sentence.

DEAR definition: 1. loved or liked very much: 2. used at the beginning of a letter to greet the person you are…. Learn more.

1. A person who is greatly loved. Often used as a form of address. 2. An endearing, lovable, or kind person: What a dear she is!

Dec 7, 2025 · dear (comparative dearer or more dear, superlative dearest or most dear) (Ireland, UK) High in price; expensive. quotations

Definition of dear adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

used in conventional forms of address preceding a title or name, as in Dear Sir or my dear Mr Smith (postpositive) followed by to: important; close: a wish dear to her heart

noun a person who is good, kind, or generous. You're a dear to help me with the work. a beloved one. (sometimes initial capital letter) an affectionate or familiar term of address, as to a child or romantic …

You use dear to describe someone or something that you feel affection for. Mrs Cavendish is a dear friend of mine. At last I am back at my dear little desk.

DEAR meaning: 1 : loved or valued very much often + to; 2 : used in writing to address someone

3 days ago · If someone or something is dear to you, it means you hold them or it very close to your heart, as in "My country is very dear to me" or "She is a dear friend."