dear
0 antonyms and opposites of dear, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Regarded with deep affection or love.
How to use dear
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English diere, "of great value, precious, beloved", from a Germanic root shared with German teuer, "expensive".
Full origin of dear →Frequently asked questions
What does “dear” mean?
The word “dear” means regarded with deep affection or love. In plain terms, loved and valued, or (especially in British English) expensive — plus the standard polite way to open a letter.
How do you pronounce “dear”?
“Dear” is pronounced deer (/dɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dear” in a sentence?
Here is “dear” used in a sentence: “She's a dear friend of mine.”
What part of speech is “dear”?
Depending on how it is used, “dear” can be an adjective and an intj.
Where does the word “dear” come from?
The word “dear” comes from Old English. From Old English diere, "of great value, precious, beloved", from a Germanic root shared with German teuer, "expensive".
Is “dear” a common word?
“Dear” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “dear” have?
“Dear” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: regarded with deep affection or love.
What is the difference between "dear" and "deer"?
They sound identical but mean completely different things. "Dear" is an adjective for someone or something held in deep affection, and a polite way to begin a letter, as in "Dear Sir." "Deer" is the hoofed woodland animal with antlers. Remembering that "deer" contains two e's, like the animal's two ears, can help.
Does "dear" also mean expensive?
Yes. In British English especially, "dear" can mean costly, as in "milk has got very dear lately." This older sense grew from the idea of something being precious and highly valued. So the same word can describe both a beloved person and a high price, though context makes the meaning clear.
Is "dear" formal or informal?
It works in both registers. As a term of affection, in "my dear" or "dear friend," it feels warm and slightly old-fashioned. As a letter opening, in "Dear Ms Jones," it is standard and formal. As an exclamation of dismay, in "oh dear," it is casual and mild.