DEAR
—adjective. 1 a beloved or much esteemed. B as a merely polite or ironic form (my dear man). 2 as a formula of address, esp. Beginning a letter (dear sir). 3 (often foll. By to) precious; cherished. 4 (usually. In superl.) Earnest (my dearest wish). 5 a expensive. B having high prices. —none. (esp. As a form of address) dear person. —adverb. At great cost (will pay dear). —int. Expressing surprise, dismay, pity, etc. (dear me!; oh dear!). ? for dear life desperately. ? dearly adverb. [old english]