dear

I UK [dɪə(r)] / US [dɪr] adjective
Word forms "dear":
adjective dear comparative dearer superlative dearest
***

1) Dear used in front of someone's name at the beginning of a letter to them

Dear Diana, I hope you're feeling better now.

2) loved or liked very much

a dear friend:

She is a very dear friend of mine.

dear to someone:

You are both very dear to me.

3) [not usually before noun] expensive

Their products are good quality, but a bit dear.

4) British old-fashioned used for speaking to someone in a friendly way or in a way that shows that you think you are better or more important than them

I'm afraid you're wrong, dear boy.

5) nice. People who use this word usually do not sound sincere

dear little/sweet/old etc:

Raymond is a dear sweet man!

•

Dear Sir/Sirs/Madam — used at the beginning of a very formal letter, for example to a company or to someone you have never met

Dear Sirs, I am writing to complain about your telephone helpline.

- be dear to someone's heart

- dear God

- for dear life

II UK [dɪə(r)] / US [dɪr] noun [countable]
Word forms "dear":
singular dear plural dears
**

1)

a) spoken used for talking to someone you love or are friendly with

Have you had a nice day, dear?

my dear:

You mustn't worry, my dear. Everything's going to be all right.

b) used for talking in a friendly way to someone whose name you do not know

Be careful on those steps, dear.

2) someone who is nice, generous, and helpful to others

She's a lovely person – an absolute dear.

be a dear and do something:

Be a dear and go and get my glasses for me, will you?

III UK [dɪə(r)] / US [dɪr] interjection **

- oh dear

IV UK [dɪə(r)] / US [dɪr] adverb
Word forms "dear":
comparative dearer superlative dearest

- cost someone dear