DEAR | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Looking for the meaning of the word DEAR in English for both noun and verb forms from the Oxford Dictionary? Below, you can explore all possible meanings and definitions of DEAR with sentence examples. You can also use the “AUDIO PRONUNCIATION” track to check the correct pronunciation in British English.

Word: Dear

Speech Type: Adjective

Etymology:

Old English dēore, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch dier ‘beloved’, also to Dutch duur and German teuer ‘expensive’

Audio Pronunciation:
Phonetic Spelling: dɪə
Dialects: British English
Definition:

regarded with deep affection

Short Definition:

regarded with affection

Examples:
  • a dear friend
  • he is very dear to me
Definition:

expensive

Short Definition:

expensive

Examples:
  • five pounds—that's a bit dear!

Word: Dear

Speech Type: Noun

Audio Pronunciation:
Phonetic Spelling: dɪə
Dialects: British English
Definition:

used as an affectionate or friendly form of address

Short Definition:

affectionate form of address

Examples:
  • don't you worry, dear

Word: Dear

Speech Type: Adverb

Audio Pronunciation:
Phonetic Spelling: dɪə
Dialects: British English
Definition:

at a high cost

Short Definition:

at high cost

Examples:
  • they buy property cheaply and sell dear

Word: Dear

Speech Type: Interjection

Audio Pronunciation:
Phonetic Spelling: dɪə
Dialects: British English
Definition:

used in expressions of surprise, dismay, or sympathy

Short Definition:

used to express surprise etc.

Examples:
  • oh dear, I've upset you

Word: Dear

Speech Type: Other

In Word Games

Scramble Word Scores

Words with Friends

✅ Available

Score: 5

SOWPODS

✅ Available

Score: 5

OTCWL

✅ Available

Score: 5

Word Game Tools

Wordle Solver Icon

Wordle Solver

Quordle Solver Icon

Quordle Solver

Octordle Solver Icon

Octordle Solver

Random Word Generator Icon

Random Word Generator

More Word Games

Quordle Answer Icon

Quordle

Octordle Answer Icon

Octordle

Contexto Answer Icon

Contexto

More Crosswords Games