dear

(noun) a beloved person; used as terms of endearment. Synonyms: beloved, dearest, honey, love.

(noun) a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child). Synonyms: lamb.

(adj) dearly loved. Synonyms: beloved, darling.

(adj) with or in a close or intimate relationship. Synonyms: good, near. Examples: "A good friend." "My sisters and brothers are near and dear."

(adj) earnest. Synonyms: devout, earnest, heartfelt. Examples: "One's dearest wish." "Devout wishes for their success." "Heartfelt condolences."

(adj) having a high price. Synonyms: costly, dear(predicate), high-priced, pricey, pricy. Examples: "Costly jewelry." "High-priced merchandise." "Much too dear for my pocketbook." "A pricey restaurant."

(adv) with affection. Synonyms: dearly, affectionately. Examples: "She loved him dearly." "He treats her affectionately."

(adv) at a great cost. Synonyms: dearly. Examples: "He paid dearly for the food." "This cost him dear."