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dear

1 dear /ˈdiɚ/ adjective
dearer; dearest
1 dear
/ˈdiɚ/
adjective
dearer; dearest
Britannica Dictionary definition of DEAR
[also more dear; most dear]
: loved or valued very much
often + to
used in writing to address someone
chiefly British : having a high price : expensive

for dear life

see 1life
2 dear /ˈdiɚ/ adverb
2 dear
/ˈdiɚ/
adverb
Britannica Dictionary definition of DEAR
: with love and respect used in the phrase hold dear
see also cost you dear at 2cost
3 dear /ˈdiɚ/ noun
plural dears
3 dear
/ˈdiɚ/
noun
plural dears
Britannica Dictionary definition of DEAR
[count]
used to address someone you love
: a kind and helpful person
4 dear /ˈdiɚ/ interjection
4 dear
/ˈdiɚ/
interjection
Britannica Dictionary definition of DEAR
used especially to express surprise, fear, or disappointment