World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesDear
/dɪər/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Regarded with deep affection; cherished.
"She wrote a letter to her dear friend."
- 1
A person who is loved or valued.
"He is my dear and I cherish our time together."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Old English 'dēore', meaning precious, costly, valuable, or beloved, originating from Proto-Germanic '*diurijaz'. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from material value and costliness to emotional affection and endearment.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Dear"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Dear" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
Cher
Transliteration: ʃɛʁ
"Elle a écrit une lettre à son cher ami."
Lieber
Transliteration: ˈliːbɐ
"Sie hat einen Brief an ihren lieben Freund geschrieben."
Caro
Transliteration: ˈkaːro
"Ha scritto una lettera al suo caro amico."
Querido
Transliteration: keˈɾiðo
"Escribió una carta a su querido amigo."
Querido
Transliteration: keˈɾidu
"Ela escreveu uma carta ao seu querido amigo."
प्रिय
Transliteration: priya
"उसने अपने प्रिय मित्र को एक पत्र लिखा।"
亲爱的
Transliteration: qīn'ài de
"她给她亲爱的朋友写了一封信。"
친애하는
Transliteration: chin-aehaneun
"그녀는 그녀의 친애하는 친구에게 편지를 썼다."
親愛なる
Transliteration: shin'ainaru
"彼女は彼女の親愛なる友人に手紙を書いた。"
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