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.

Jan 2, 2026 · Adjective dear (comparative dearer or more dear, superlative dearest or most dear) (Ireland, UK) High in price; expensive.

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!

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

Dear definition: Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations.

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.

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."