1
dear
adjective
- loved or valued very much —often + to
- —used in writing to address someone
- having a high price : expensive
2
dear
adverb
- with love and respect—used in the phrase hold dear
3
dear
noun
- —used to address someone you love
- a kind and helpful person
4
dear
interjection
- —used especially to express surprise, fear, or disappointment