Meaning

• A very kind, loving person.

  "My cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures."

• A beloved person.

• An affectionate, familiar term of address, such as used between husband and wife.

  "Pass me the salt, would you dear?"

Meaning

• To endear.

Meaning

• High in price; expensive.

  "The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed."

• Loved; lovable.

• Loving, affectionate, heartfelt

  "Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow."

• Precious to or greatly valued by someone.

  "The dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!"

• A formal way to start (possibly after my) addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter, memo etc.

  "Dear Sir/Madam/Miss, please notice our offices will be closed during the following bank holidays: [...]."

• A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.

  "My dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!"

• An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior.

  "My dear boy, if your grades don't pick up I won't bounce you on but over my knee!"

• Noble.

Meaning

• Dearly; at a high price