dear

adjective

• 1regarded with deep affection:a dear friend he is very dear to me
• used in speech as a polite or affectionate form of address:Martin, my dear fellow
• used in the polite form of address at the start of a letter.
• endearing; sweet:a dear little puppy

• 2chiefly British expensive:five pounds—that’s a bit dear!

noun

• used as an affectionate or friendly form of address:don’t you worry, dear
• a sweet or endearing person:Harry’s a dear

adverb

• at a high cost:they buy property cheaply and sell dear

exclamation

• used in expressions of surprise, dismay, or sympathy:oh dear, I’ve upset you