​. Dear · ​. loved by or important to somebody · ​[only before noun] (old-fashioned) used in speech or writing to address somebody in a polite or friendly way.

to care very much for someone or something; to value someone or something highly He had destroyed everything we held dear. your nearest and dearest (informal).

used when speaking to someone in a friendly way, for example by an older person to a young person or a child What's your name, dear? See dear in the Oxford ...

dear · ​(informal) a kind person. Isn't he a dear? Be a dear and fetch me my coat. · ​used when speaking to somebody you love. Would you like a drink, dear? Come ...

Definition of dear adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and ...

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun dear. See 'Meaning & use' for definition, usage, and quotation evidence. This word is now obsolete.

Definition of dear adverb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and ...

​used in expressions that show that you are surprised, upset, annoyed or worried. Oh dear! I think I've lost my purse! Oh dear! What a shame. Dear me!

used in expressions that show that you are surprised, upset, annoyed, or worried. Oh dear! I think I lost my purse! Oh dear! What a shame.

Definition of Dear Abby in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and ...