The meaning of DEAR is highly valued : precious —often used in a salutation. How to use dear in a sentence.

As a written form of address — such as " Dear Mr. So-and-so" — dear is generally a polite but impersonal standard greeting. Dear can sometimes mean expensive, as in "The cost of food is so …

DEAR definition: 1. loved or liked very much: 2. used at the beginning of a letter to greet the person you are…. Learn more.

1. A person who is greatly loved. Often used as a form of address. 2. An endearing, lovable, or kind person: What a dear she is!

Apr 10, 2026 · An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior or someone one dislikes. My dear man, you ought to think twice about who you're trying to blackmail. (obsolete) Noble. synonyms …

Dear definition: Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations.

Dec 11, 2025 · Although in certain situations it is appropriate to use "Greetings" or "Hello" before the name of the recipient, using the word "Dear" at the beginning of a business letter is the preferred …

Dear is an adjective commonly used as a salutation in written or formal correspondence to address the recipient in a warm, friendly, or respectful manner, often indicating a level of familiarity or close …

You use dear to describe someone or something that you feel affection for. Mrs Cavendish is a dear friend of mine. At last I am back at my dear little desk.

An exclamation indicating surprise, pity, or other emotion: used absolutely or in connection with oh or me: as, oh dear ! I am so tired; dear me ! where have you been?