dear
HighBroad, from formal address to intimate, informal conversation.
Definition
Meaning
Beloved, cherished, or valued highly; also used to express high cost.
Used as a polite, affectionate, or formal form of address; expressing endearment, sympathy, or sometimes exasperation; high in price.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Heavily context-dependent. As an adjective, can denote emotional value or financial cost. As a noun, an affectionate term for a loved one. As an exclamation/interjection, expresses surprise, sympathy, or frustration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a form of polite address (e.g., 'Dear Sir/Madam'), it is standard in both. As an exclamation ('Oh dear!') it is considerably more common and idiomatic in British English. The noun 'dear' as a term of endearment ('my dear') is more frequent and formulaic in British politeness.
Connotations
In British English, the exclamatory 'dear' often conveys mild concern, sympathy, or polite dismay. In American English, it can sound slightly old-fashioned or affected when used as a term of address outside formal letters.
Frequency
The exclamatory use ('Dear me!', 'Oh dear!') is a high-frequency item in British English, used by all ages. In American English, it is less common and may be perceived as quaint or particularly British.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
dear to [someone] (adj.)Dear [Name], (salutation)[Verb] someone dear (noun)Oh dear! (interjection)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dear John letter”
- “for dear life”
- “hold something dear”
- “my dear fellow”
- “cost someone dear”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Standard salutation in letters/emails ('Dear Mr. Smith'). Can describe high costs ('dearer credit').
Academic
Rare, except in formal correspondence. May appear in historical texts as a term of address.
Everyday
Very common as term of endearment, exclamation of concern/surprise ('Oh dear, I've forgotten my keys!'), and to discuss prices ('Fresh strawberries are so dear in winter.').
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- It cost him dear, that mistake.
- (Archaic) 'Buy cheap, buy dear'.
American English
- His pride cost him dear in the end.
adjective
British English
- She is my dearest friend.
- The repairs were rather dear.
American English
- He holds his family dear.
- Organic produce is too dear for my budget.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My mum is very dear to me.
- Oh dear! The baby is crying.
- This toy is too dear.
- I bought a card for my dear grandmother.
- Fresh fish is always dearer on a Monday.
- "Dear Sir," he began the letter.
- Freedom is a principle they hold dear.
- The victory was won, but at a dear price in lives.
- He sighed, 'Oh dear, what have we done?'
- Her dearest wish was to see them reconciled.
- The company paid dear for its failure to innovate.
- He penned a 'Dear John' letter before deployment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DEER you love DEARly; it would be DEAR (expensive) to replace.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL CLOSENESS IS PHYSICAL CLOSENESS / VALUE IS HIGH (in price)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusion with 'дорогой' (expensive vs. beloved).
- Overuse as a direct translation for 'милый' or 'дорогой' in spoken address, which can sound unnatural in many English contexts.
- Assuming 'dear' always implies romantic love; it often indicates general affection or politeness.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dear' for a non-close superior in spoken English (awkward).
- Misinterpreting 'The book is dear to me' as about price, not sentiment.
- Incorrectly using in plural ('dears') as a noun of address.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dear' LEAST likely to be used in modern American spoken English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is widely used for family, close friends, and as a polite form of address, especially in writing.
'Dear' for price is slightly more formal/old-fashioned (BrE) and can carry a nuance of 'too high' or 'regrettably high'. 'Expensive' is more neutral and common.
Yes, particularly in British English, it is used by all genders as a mild, polite exclamation.
Yes, 'Dear [Title] [Surname]' is the standard formal salutation for emails and letters in both British and American English.
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