adj., dear·er, dear·est.
Loved and cherished: my dearest friend.
Greatly valued; precious: lost everything dear to them.
Highly esteemed or regarded. Used in direct address, especially in salutations: Dear Lee Dawson.
High-priced; expensive.
Charging high prices.
Earnest; ardent: “This good man was a dear lover and constant practicer of angling” (Izaak Walton).
Obsolete. Noble; worthy.
Heartfelt: It is my dearest wish.