<p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>beloved or loved: a dear friend.</li><li>Synonyms: darling (used in the salutation of a letter as an expression of affection or respect or as a conventional greeting): Dear Sir.</li><li>precious in one's regard; cherished: our dearest possessions.</li><li>heartfelt; earnest: one's dearest wish.</li><li>high-priced; expensive: The silk dress was too dear.</li><li>charging high prices: That shop is too dear for my budget.</li><li>excessive; high: a dear price to pay for one's independence.</li><li>Obsolete: difficult to get; scarce.</li><li>Obsolete: worthy; honorable.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a person who is good, kind, or generous: You're a dear to help me with the work.</li><li>a beloved one.</li><li>(sometimes initial capital letter) an affectionate or familiar term of address, as to a child or romantic partner (sometimes offensive when used to a stranger, subordinate, etc.).</li></ul><p><strong>Adverb</strong></p><ul><li>dearly; fondly.</li><li>at a high price: That painting cost me dear.</li></ul><p><strong>Interjection</strong></p><ul><li>(used as an exclamation of surprise, distress, etc.): Oh dear, what a disappointment! Dear me! What's all that noise?</li></ul>