DEAR Meaning and
Definition
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Dear is an adjective that can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Primarily, dear refers to something or someone that is cherished, loved, or highly valued. It implies a strong emotional attachment or affection towards the subject or object in question. It can be used to describe cherished people, such as a dear friend, dear family member, or a dear loved one.
In addition to describing personal relationships, dear can also refer to prices, costs, or estimates that are considered high or expensive. For example, if an item or service is described as dear, it means that it has a high price tag or is costly in comparison to other similar items or services.
Furthermore, dear can be used as an introductory term in letters or written correspondence to address the person being written to. In this context, dear expresses a sense of familiarity, politeness, or affection towards the recipient.
Dear can also function as an adverb, as in the phrase "hold dear," which means to value or treasure something deeply. It implies that the subject is highly important or significant to the individual.
Overall, dear is a versatile word that embodies sentiments of affection, value, costliness, or familiarity depending on how it is used in different contexts.
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• High priced; not plentiful; more costly than usual; highly esteemed; beloved; precious.
• A darling; a word of endearment or affection.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DEAR *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DEAR
Etymology of DEAR
The word "dear" has roots in Old English, where it was first spelled "deore". Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*diurijaz", which meant "precious" or "costly". This Proto-Germanic word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*dei-", meaning "to shine" or "to gleam". Over time, "deore" evolved into the Middle English "dere" or "dear", maintaining its meaning of preciousness or high value. The word eventually took on additional meanings, such as "beloved" or "cherished", which are commonly used today.
Idioms with the word DEAR
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Dear me!
The idiom "Dear me!" is an exclamation used to express surprise, shock, concern, or dismay about a situation or event. It is often employed when one is taken aback or affected by something unexpected or troubling.
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hold somebody/something dear
The idiom "hold somebody/something dear" means to cherish or value someone or something very much. It implies a deep emotional attachment and a sense of importance towards that person or thing.
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(dear,) oh dear
The idiom "(dear,) oh dear" is an expression used to convey surprise, disappointment, or sympathy in response to a particular situation or event. It typically emphasizes some level of concern or distress. The word "dear" is often used to add an emotional or empathetic tone to the phrase. Overall, it is an exclamation that signifies a mix of emotions, including worry, dismay, or pity.
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hold (someone or something) dear
The idiom "hold (someone or something) dear" means to cherish or value someone or something greatly. It implies having deep affection or emotional attachment towards someone or something.
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close/dear/near to somebody’s heart
The idiom "close/dear/near to somebody’s heart" describes something or someone that is very important, valued, or cherished by a person. It refers to the emotional attachment and deep significance that an individual holds towards a particular person, cause, idea, or possession.
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my (dear) boy
The idiom "my (dear) boy" is an expression used to address or refer to someone, usually a younger person, in a friendly or affectionate manner. It conveys a sense of familiarity, warmth, or admiration. It can be used by an older person to address a younger person they have a close relationship with or to convey a certain level of authority. It is often employed to communicate a sense of guidance, support, or pride towards the person being referred to.
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an old dear
The idiom "an old dear" refers to a person, typically an elderly woman, who is greatly cherished or loved by others due to their kind and endearing nature. It often implies a strong affection or fondness for someone who is considered like a sage or a beloved figure within a community or family.
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dear to (one's) heart
The idiom "dear to (one's) heart" refers to something that is of great importance or holds significant sentimental value for someone. It can describe a person's deep emotional attachment or affection towards someone or something.
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dear(ly) departed
The idiom "dear(ly) departed" is often used to refer to someone who has died or passed away. It is a respectful or sentimental way to talk about someone who was close or important to you, but is no longer alive.
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near and dear to you
The idiom "near and dear to you" refers to something or someone that holds great importance, significance, or value to an individual. It usually describes a close personal relationship or an intensely cherished possession, idea, principle, or belief.
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hang on for dear life
The idiom "hang on for dear life" means to hold on tightly, desperately, or with great determination to something, usually in a dangerous or challenging situation, in order to avoid falling, failing, or losing. It implies a sense of urgency, extreme effort, and a strong will to survive or succeed.
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hang/hold on for dear life
The idiom "hang/hold on for dear life" means to grip tightly and desperately in order to maintain one's position or survive a challenging or dangerous situation. It implies an intense effort to hold on firmly, usually metaphorically but sometimes also physically, as if one's life depended on it.
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for dear (or your) life
The idiom "for dear (or your) life" means to do something urgently and desperately in order to avoid danger, harm, or death. It signifies making intense efforts to ensure one's safety or survival in a threatening or dangerous situation.
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for dear life
The idiom "for dear life" means to do something with extreme effort or urgency, often in order to survive or avoid a dangerous situation. It implies holding onto something or clinging tightly to it to preserve one's well-being or to prevent a negative outcome.
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near and dear to (one)
The idiom "near and dear to (one)" refers to someone or something that is of great importance or holds a special place in one's heart. It typically indicates a strong emotional attachment or affection towards a person, place, or thing.
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a Dear John letter
A "Dear John letter" is an idiom that refers to a letter written by someone to inform their romantic partner, typically a soldier deployed in the military, that the relationship is over. It usually implies a sudden or unexpected breakup and carries connotations of being left behind or betrayed.
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after you, my dear Alphonse
The idiom "after you, my dear Alphonse" refers to a polite or sarcastic way of letting someone go first or take precedence in a certain situation. It implies a sense of mock politeness or a desire to avoid responsibility by allowing another person to go ahead. This phrase originates from a British comic strip from the 1940s called "Dear Alphonse," where two neighbors constantly try to out-polite each other.
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hang/hold on (to sth/sb) for dear life
The idiom "hang/hold on (to sth/sb) for dear life" means to hold onto something or someone very tightly and desperately, as if one's life depended on it. It implies intense determination and refusal to let go, usually due to a dangerous or precarious situation.
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dear departed
The idiom "dear departed" refers to someone who has passed away or is deceased, usually indicating that the individual was cherished or loved by those who are still alive.
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thing you don't want is dear at any price
The idiom "thing you don't want is dear at any price" means that something you have no desire or use for is still considered valuable or expensive, regardless of its actual worth to you. It portrays the idea that even if you have no interest in an item, it can still come with a high price tag or be seen as valuable by others.
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close/dear to sb's heart
The idiom "close/dear to someone's heart" means to be very important and meaningful to someone. It refers to a person's deep emotional attachment or strong personal interest in something or someone. It often implies that it is something that holds great significance or has a special place in their life.
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cost somebody dear
The idiom "cost somebody dear" means that something has caused someone to suffer a significant loss or sacrifice, usually involving a high price or consequence. It implies that the outcome or consequences of a particular action or decision have been severe and have negatively impacted the individual involved.
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cost (one) dear
The idiom "cost (one) dear" means that something resulted in a substantial loss or had a significant negative impact on someone, usually in terms of personal, financial, or emotional consequences.
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dear to your heart
The idiom "dear to your heart" refers to something or someone that is deeply cherished, valued, or loved. It implies a strong emotional attachment and significance.
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cost sb dear
The idiom "cost sb dear" means that someone has suffered severe consequences or paid a high price for something, either in terms of money, reputation, or personal loss.
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Dear John letter
A "Dear John letter" refers to a letter or written message usually sent by a person, typically a romantic partner, to inform the recipient of the end of a relationship or an impending separation. The term is often used when one person decides to break up with their partner through a heartfelt or sometimes impersonal letter, which usually conveys a sense of disappointment, finality, or rejection.
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hold on for dear life
The idiom "hold on for dear life" means to grip tightly and desperately to something in order to avoid falling, losing control, or being harmed. It often conveys a sense of intense fear or determination to survive in a dangerous or uncertain situation.
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dear old/little…
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be close/dear/near to somebody’s ˈheart
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dear-bought
"Dear-bought" means obtained or acquired at a high cost, either financially or through great effort or sacrifice.
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be close/dear/near to somebody's heart
To be close/dear/near to somebody's heart means to be very important or precious to someone, usually in an emotional or sentimental way. It can refer to a person, a place, an object, or an idea that holds a special place in someone's affections or priorities.
Similar spelling words for DEAR
- deary,
- dery,
- fear,
- gear,
- tear,
- rear,
- pear,
- Deharo,
- year,
- near,
- deal,
- dewire,
- bear,
- deer,
- ear,
- DERR,
- derrow,
- wear,
- hear,
- dearie,
- deere,
- dead,
- Derry,
- dewar,
- deaf.
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