Dear

/diːɹ/

The meaning and definition of Dear, with examples, synonyms, and a word game to make it stick.

Definition

noun
  1. An affectionate, familiar term of address, such as used between husband and wife.
    β€œPass me the salt, would you dear?”
  2. A very kind, loving person.
    β€œMy cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures.”
adjective
  1. Loving, affectionate, heartfelt
    β€œSuch dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.”
  2. Precious to or greatly valued by someone.
    β€œThe dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!”

Definitions from the Free Dictionary API

Synonyms darling

Origin

From Middle English dere.

Source: Etymological Wordnet (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Lock this word in with a game

Tile Guess Anagram Hangman My Words
One word a day β€” keep a streak in the app

A word like β€œDear” rarely sticks from a single glance at a definition. WordMaster turns vocabulary into a game you play in context so it stays with you. Read the meaning above, then guess it in the tile, anagram, or hangman format β€” and every word you meet is logged for review.

More 4-letter words

debt deck deep deny desk diet dirt dish