1. loved or valued highly; precious
2. expensive; costing a lot of money
3. used as a polite form of address

1. a person who is loved or valued

1. used to express surprise, distress, or sympathy

Examples

• She kept her grandmother’s dear letters in a special box.
• The restaurant was too dear for our budget.
• Dear Mr. Johnson, thank you for your letter.
• Come here, dear, and let me help you.
• Dear me! I forgot my keys again.
• My dear friend always listens when I need to talk.
• The cost of living has become quite dear in the city.