dear

• 用于表达对某人的喜爱或亲昵；也表示某物价格昂贵或耗费大。

Used to express affection or fondness for someone; also used to indicate something is expensive or costly.

1. Loved or cherishedA2formal

   Regarded with deep affection or fondness.

   亲爱的

   • She is a dear friend of mine.
   • He wrote a letter to his dear mother.
   • My dear child, I am so proud of you.

   同义词adoredbelovedcherisheddarlinglovedprecioustreasuredvalued

   反义词despiseddetestedhatedunloved

2. ExpensiveB1formalbritish

   Costing a lot of money; high in price.

   昂贵的

   • This restaurant is too dear for my budget.
   • The antique vase was very dear.
   • Everything in this shop is dear.

   同义词costlyexorbitantexpensivehigh-pricedpremiumpriceyvaluable

   反义词affordablecheapinexpensivelow-cost

3. Used in polite addressA1formal

   Used as a polite way to address someone in a letter or conversation.

   尊敬的

   • Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to apply for the position.
   • Dear John, thank you for your kind invitation.
   • My dear lady, may I help you with your bags?

   同义词esteemedhonoredrespected

• 副词，主要用于英式英语，常见于短语 'cost someone dear'，意为“使某人付出高昂代价”或“使某人遭受重大损失”。也可作强调词，用于 'I would dearly love to...' 等表达中，但此义更常用 'dearly'。作副词时不如其形容词形式常见。

An adverb used primarily in British English, often in the phrase 'cost someone dear,' meaning 'at great cost' or 'severely.' It is also used as an intensifier in expressions like 'I would dearly love to...' (though 'dearly' is more common in that sense). As an adverb, it is less frequent than its adjective form.

1. At a high costB2formal

   Used to indicate that something is expensive or costs a lot.

   昂贵地

   • The mistake cost him dear.
   • Victory came dear in that battle.
   • She paid dear for her carelessness.

   同义词dearlyexpensively

   反义词cheaplyinexpensively

• 用作亲昵称呼的名词，指心爱的人或亲爱的对象，常用于直接称呼（如“我亲爱的”）。

A noun used as a term of endearment or to refer to a beloved person, often used in direct address (e.g., 'my dear').

1. Beloved personA2formal

   A person who is loved or cherished.

   亲爱的人

   • She is a dear to everyone who knows her.
   • He is such a dear, always helping others.
   • My dear, you have my full support.

   同义词beloveddarlinghoneyloveprecioussweetheart

2. Term of addressA2informal

   Used as a polite or affectionate way to address someone.

   亲爱的

   • Don't worry, dear, everything will be fine.
   • Thank you, my dear, for your kindness.
   • Come here, dear, and sit with me.

   同义词beloveddarlingdeariehoneyloveprecioussweetheart