Dictionary definition · dear
noun
- a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
- a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)
adjective
- dearly loved
- with or in a close or intimate relationship"a good friend"
- sincerely earnest"one's dearest wish"
- having a high price"costly jewelry"
adverb
- with affection"she loved him dearly"
- at a great cost"he paid dearly for the food"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).