dear

1. A very kind, loving person.

   My cousin is such a dear, always drawing me pictures.

2. A beloved person.
3. An affectionate, familiar term of address, such as used between husband and wife.

   Pass me the salt, would you dear?

verb

To endear.

1. High in price; expensive.

   The dearer the jewel, the greater the love expressed.

2. Loved; lovable.
3. Loving, affectionate, heartfelt

   Such dear embrace tenderly comforts even in this dear sorrow.

4. Precious to or greatly valued by someone.

   The dearer the giver, the dearer the trinket he brings!

5. A formal way to start (possibly after my) addressing somebody at the beginning of a letter, memo etc.

   Dear Sir/Madam/Miss, please notice our offices will be closed during the following bank holidays: [...].

6. A formal way to start (often after my) addressing somebody one likes or regards kindly.

   My dear friend, I feel better as soon as you come sit beside my sickbed!

7. An ironic way to start (often after my) addressing an inferior.

   My dear boy, if your grades don't pick up I won't bounce you on but over my knee!

8. Noble.

adverb

Dearly; at a high price

1. Severe, or severely affected; sore.
2. Fierce.

   The Christens found the heathens dear, as the lion doth the bear.