Dear Definition

dear
adverb
  1. with affection; "she loved him dearly"; "he treats her affectionately"
  2. at a great cost; "he paid dearly for the food"; "this cost him dear"
adjective
  1. dearly loved
  2. with or in a close or intimate relationship; "a good friend"; "my sisters and brothers are near and dear"
  3. earnest; "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"
  4. having a high price; "costly jewelry"; "high-priced merchandise"; "much too dear for my pocketbook"; "a pricey restaurant"
noun
  1. a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
  2. a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)

"Dear" in song lyrics

See how dear is used in real songs:

  • "So long my motherfuckin' dear"
    2 Live Crew — 2 Live Blues
  • "It's all about the paper here, so hear my dear"
    Above the Law f/ Kokane — Kalifornia
  • "I won't be getting dressed up to impress your family dear"
    Aesop Rock f/ Pfac — Cook it Up

Usage tips for "dear"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "dear" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for dear to find words that pair well.

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