dear
UK: dɪə | US: dɪr
adj. beloved or cherished
adj. high in price; costly
n. a loved or cherished person
interj. used to express surprise, sympathy, or distress
The word "dear" originates from the Old English dēore, meaning "precious, valuable, or beloved." It is related to the Old High German tiuri and Old Norse dýrr, all sharing the Proto-Germanic root diurijaz, which conveyed worth or high esteem. Over time, "dear" retained its dual sense of emotional affection ("beloved") and economic value ("expensive"), reflecting the historical link between personal and material worth.
She is a dear friend who always supports me.
The necklace was too dear for my budget.
"Oh dear!" she exclaimed when she saw the mess.
He wrote a letter to his dear mother.
Fresh strawberries are quite dear in winter.