dear / di(ə)r/ • adj. 1. regarded with deep affection; cherished by someone. ∎  used in speech as a way of addressing a person in a polite way. ∎  used as part of the polite introduction to a letter. ∎  endearing; sweet: a dear little puppy.2. expensive.• n. used as an affectionate or friendly form of address: don't you worry, dear. ∎  a sweet or endearing person.• adv. at a high cost: they buy property cheaply and sell dear.• interj. used in expressions of surprise, dismay, or sympathy: oh dear.PHRASES: for dear life see life.DERIVATIVES: dear·ness n.ORIGIN: Old English dēore, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch dier ‘beloved,’ also to Dutch duur and German teuer ‘expensive.’

dear †glorious, noble; regarded with esteem and affection; †precious OE.; high-priced, costly XI. OE. dēore, WS. dīere = OS. diuri (Du. dier beloved, duur high-priced), OHG. tiuri (G. teuer), ON. dýrr :- Gmc. *deurjaz, of unkn. orig.