dear

Everyday

1. Dear means loved or very much liked: «my dear friend». tree →
2. Dear is the polite word at the start of a letter: «Dear Grandma». tree →
3. In shops (mostly UK), dear means costing a lot. tree →
4. «Dear» is a kind word for a person you love: «Thank you, dear». tree →
5. «Oh dear!» shows you are sorry or worried. tree →

In the lessons

at the start of a letter (story only); or «dearer» meaning more expensive; in writing lessons: letters start with «Dear …,»; in everyday life: «oh dear» when something goes wrong; it tells the reader about love, politeness or a high price

Examples

• Dear Grandma, I have 5 new books. tree →
• The red bag is dearer than the blue one. tree →
• Apples are $2 dearer this week. tree →
• Which toy is the dearest? tree →
• Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to ask about the club. tree →
• She is a dear friend of my mother's. tree →
• Oh dear, I've spilt my juice! tree →
• Thank you, dear, that is very kind. tree →
• "That is for Hereafterthis, my dear." tree →

Note

As «costly» it compares prices: «$2 dearer» means add 2. In a letter it carries no clue. Homophone: deer (the animal) sounds the same. «Dear» meaning expensive is more British; Americans say «expensive».